CLEVELAND — After an off-duty Cleveland Division of Police officer was shot and killed on New Year's Eve in Cleveland, Northeast Ohio community leaders are speaking out on the horrific death.
On Friday night, officers with the Cleveland Division of Police gathered outside Fairview Hospital to support officer Shane Bartek and his family. Among the crowd was Cleveland Mayor-Elect Justin Bibb who asked Clevelanders to keep the officer's family in their thoughts and prayers, and thanked other law enforcement agencies for their help in finding suspects connected to the shooting.
"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."
RELATED: One suspect in custody after an off-duty Cleveland police officer was shot and killed in Cleveland
Also at the hospital was incoming Interim Chief Wayne Drummond, who called the act "senseless."
"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 Friday evening.
Cleveland City Councilman for Ward 17- the district where the officer was shot- Charles Slife made a statement on Twitter early Saturday morning
"An off-duty Cleveland police officer was shot and killed yesterday in Ward 17 during a carjacking. A senseless crime and a tragic outcome. Suspects arrested. Our thoughts are with the victim's family and CPD for their loss of a family member and colleague," Slife tweeted.
The Cleveland City Council released the following statement to 3News Saturday afternoon:
"Cleveland City Council grieves over the death of an off-duty Cleveland Police officer on New Year’s Eve.
The circumstances and the investigation are still underway. One suspect was arrested last night and an additional suspect has been arrested today.
The public is understandably upset about the recent rash in violent car jackings. We know that Cleveland Police is working diligently and expeditiously to arrest all those involved. We ask that the public also remains vigilant about their surroundings and to call the police in suspicious circumstances.
We offer our condolences to the officer’s family and friends, as well as to all those experiencing grief in this new year.
We will work with the incoming administration on bolstering our First Responders, who’ve gone through so much, including a pandemic."
As of Saturday at 1 p.m., Cleveland police officials have confirmed that two suspects are in custody in connection to the officer's shooting.
You can watch a Friday evening press conference held by Cleveland police in the player below:
This is a developing story. Check back with 3News for updates.