CLEVELAND — An off-duty Cleveland police officer was shot and killed Friday evening during an apparent carjacking, Cleveland police tell 3News.
The shooting occurred on Rocky River Drive in Cleveland around 6:00 p.m.
The police officer, now identified as 25-year-old Shane Bartek, was approached by a male suspect and there was some sort of struggle.
According to incoming Cleveland police chief, Dornat Wayne Drummond, the officer was shot twice in the back before the suspect took off in the officer's car.
The officer was transported to Fairview Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Cleveland Police Union President Jeff Follmer confirmed to 3News that the officer joined the force in 2019 and worked for the 5th District.
A few hours after the shooting, one suspect was arrested in Euclid after a pursuit involving multiple departments, police said.
The suspect's car was towed from the Riviera Apartments on E 260th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard.
Several members of Cleveland police gathered at Fairview Hospital on Friday evening to support the fallen officer, including incoming Interim Chief Drummond, and Mayor-elect Justin Bibb.
"This is a very sad day. My heart is aching for the family, for our officers. It's senseless. It just doesn't make any sense," Drummond said.
Cleveland mayor-elect Justin Bibb said:
"This evening is about the family of the slain officer that we lost today. And I just ask the residents of Cleveland to keep their family in your prayers. I know I'll do the same. Let's all stay vigilant. Stay safe and healthy. I also want to thank all members of law enforcement who supported us this evening. And again, everyone stay safe and please keep this family in your prayers."
Saturday morning, just before 9 a.m., dozens of police vehicles from across Northeast Ohio gathered at Fairview Hospital to escort the officer to the medical examiner's office.
There were also dozens of officers lined up outside, saluting the officer's body as it left Fairview's parking lot.
At one point, a handful of healthcare workers from Fairview Hospital came outside to pay their respects to the officer.
Meanwhile, Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the identity and prosecution of anyone involved in the murder of the off-duty officer.
Anyone with tips should call 216-25CRIME.
You can listen to the Cleveland Police press conference below:
This is a developing story. Check back with 3News for updates as they become available.
