CLEVELAND — "I am heartbroken about the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Division of Police officers today. Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated public servant."
That's part of the message from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb as he addressed the death of 27-year-old police officer Jamieson Ritter, who was killed in an overnight shooting while in the line of duty.
"We will fully support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law," Mayor Bibb said in a written statement. "My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of our fallen officer. Please pray for his family and the Cleveland Division of Police as we mourn this senseless loss."
Mayor Bibb was also present at a press conference before 7 a.m. alongside Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd in which he also briefly spoke about the deadly shooting.
“We just ask the residents in Cleveland to pray for this family, pray for the men and women of our police department -- especially as we celebrate this Fourth of July holiday and the freedom that we have in this country," Mayor Bibb said. "That freedom depends on the men and women of our police department. Not just in Cleveland, but all across the nation. So, Cleveland, let’s uplift the men and women of our police department.”
The shooting happened overnight when officers responded to the 1500 block of East 80th for a man wanted for felonious assault. When police attempted to arrest the man, Chief Todd said he "produced a firearm and began firing multiple shots." That's when the officer was struck.
The suspect has been identified as 24-year-old De'Lawnte Hardy. He was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.