CLEVELAND — In his final moments, Cleveland Police Officer Shane Bartek fought for his life the only way he knew as a police officer.
Investigators say 18-year old Tamara McLoyd ambushed Bartek with a gun and demanded his car on New Year's Eve. Investigators say surveillance video shows the off-duty Bartek trying to disarm the suspect and, "reacting as a police officer."
RELATED: $5 million bond set for 18-year-old woman charged with killing Cleveland officer Shane Bartek
Det. Jeff Follmer, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, says the city should honor him as a fallen officer
"We want this to be an in the line of duty death," Follmer told 3News. "If the city of Cleveland is not willing to do that, we have attorneys ready to fight for Bartek's family."
If Bartek had been on duty when he was killed, he would receive a funeral with honors provided by the city. But because he was off duty, his family is left making the arrangements.
"We will look at whatever legal options so we can honor Officer Bartek in the best way possible," new Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin said in a statement. At Monday's meeting, members held a moment of silence for Bartek.
We called Cleveland Safety Director Karrie D. Howard's office, but he could not be reached for comment.
McLoyd, who is charged with aggravated murder, has a long rap sheet. Court records showing she was wanted for aggravated robbery in Cleveland at the Happy Pizza on Detroit Avenue and also for shoplifting from Dillard's in Strongsville, where authorities say there was a foot chase.
McLoyd's alleged accomplice, Anthony Butler Jr., is charged with receiving stolen property after being caught driving Bartek's stolen car. Like McLoyd, he was issued a $5-million bond.
Luna Team Shop in Berea, where Bartek grew up, is selling t-shirts in his honor and giving the proceeds to his family. Here's how you can purchase one: