CLEVELAND — The Cleveland police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning has been identified as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter, who worked with the department for the past four years while assigned to the Third District.
"Today is a sad day for our city," said Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd in a statement. "Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that tries to impose on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we take in the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter gave, and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts."
Ritter graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard. As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, he served with the 134th Field Artillery Regiment. After joining the Cleveland Division of Police in November 2020, Ritter deployed to Syria in 2022 with his unit and returned to continue his service with the city of Cleveland in 2023.
Ritter was a native of Webster, New York, graduating from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 2015. In a release, the Cleveland Division of Police said that "Ritter grew up with profound desire to serve his country and his community. His family confirms that 'from an early age, Jamieson possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community.'"
According to NBC affiliate WHEC in Rochester, New York, Ritter's father Jon was a police officer in Greece, New York. The elder Ritter was credited with saving lives on Christmas Eve 2012 when a suspect named William Spengler set a fire and shot and killed responding firefighters. Ritter was on his way to work and used to his car to prevent others from being struck by the gunfire.
Jon Ritter retired from the Greece Police Department in 2013.
OFFICER RITTER RECENTLY NAMED OFFICER OF THE MONTH
3News has learned that Ritter was recognized as officer of the month in May as a result of his heroic actions in multiple situations.
The first was on Feb. 2 when Ritter responded to the 3400 block of East 69th with officer Brittany Vajusi where a man had been shot in the chest.
"The male was not conscious, or breathing and had no pulse," according to a post from the Cleveland Police Foundation. "Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter immediately went to work removing clothing, applying chest seals, and starting CPR. For several minutes, the officers worked tirelessly giving chest compressions and restored the victim's pulse. Though the victim sadly passed away moments later, the officers gave it their all to give the victim a chance at survival."
The second was on April 20, when officers Ritter and Vajusi responded to the 1000 block of Old River Road where a male had jumped into the Cuyahoga River.
"Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter, along with several other officers, successfully pulled the male from the water," according to the Cleveland Police Foundation. "Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter assisted in providing first aid and warming the male up in order to prevent hypothermia. The male was conveyed to Metro Hospital. Again, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter played a key role in saving someone's life."
The most recent situation happened on May 9 where Ritter and Vajusi responded to a call for a male shot at East 55th and McBride.
"Upon their arrival, they located a male who had been shot multiple times," according to the Cleveland Police Foundation. "For the next five minutes, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter removed the male's clothing, applied bandages and chest seals, and gave words of encouragement to the male in an effort to keep him alive. As if this wasn't enough, they were also inquiring for information about who had shot him. Their inquiries ultimately led to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The officers literally conducted the investigation at the same time they were saving the victim's life. Patrol Officer Ritter stayed with the victim all the way until he was inside the EMS wagon. I do not believe the victim would have survived had it not been for Patrol Officer Vajusi and Ritter's dedication to saving lives."
As a result, both Ritter and Vajusi were named police officers of the month.
DETAILS OF THE SHOOTING
Todd said he was shot while responding to a call in the 1500 block of East 80th in regard to a man wanted for felonious assault.
When police attempted to arrest the man, the chief said he "produced a firearm and began firing multiple shots."
The suspect has been identified as a 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy. He was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
REACTION FROM RITTER'S HOMETOWN
McQuaid Jesuit High School released the following statement on Ritter's death:
"It is with deep sadness that McQuaid Jesuit mourns the loss of 2015 alumnus, Jamieson Ritter, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty as a Cleveland police officer.
"The incident occurred in an overnight shooting, where Officer Ritter displayed unwavering dedication and courage while serving his community. Jamieson embodied the values of service, justice, and leadership instilled in him as a student at McQuaid Jesuit.
"The entire McQuaid Jesuit community offers our sincere condolences to the Ritter family and we ask that everyone keep Jamieson, his loved ones, and the Cleveland Police Department in their prayers during this most difficult time."
PREVIOUS REPORTING:
- Breaking updates: Cleveland police officer dies in overnight shooting
- De'Lawnte Hardy identified as suspect in deadly shooting of Cleveland police officer: First court appearance set for Friday
- Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb releases statement after officer killed in overnight shooting: 'My deepest condolences go out to the family'
- Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd speaks after officer killed in shooting: 'This is another time to show our support to our officers'