27-Year-Old Jamieson Ritter, Cleveland Police Officer, Killed in the Line of Duty

UPDATE: The Cleveland Division of Police has identified the man accused of shooting and killing an officer overnight as 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy.

Cleveland police say he has been charged with aggravated murder.

Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter was shot and killed early on the Fourth of July. Officers had responded to a call about a man wanted for felonious assault.

Chief Todd stated that officers had responded to a call on the 1500 block of East 80th regarding a man wanted for a felonious assault from a nearby suburb.

The suspect attempted to flee on a bike, pulled out a gun, and began firing.

During a news conference, police reported that a 24-year-old suspect is in custody and being transferred to the Cuyahoga County jail.

The suspect was not injured.

There were eight to ten officers at the scene when the shooting occurred, as they were serving a felonious assault warrant.

“Our men and women are out there every day,” police said. “They work hard. They risk their lives. They risk everything they have to protect their community.”

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb expressed his sorrow in a prepared statement: “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.”

In his past, Cadet Jamieson Ritter, a Communication and Rhetorical Studies major, recalled a counseling session with now-1LT Gleeson where she explained different leadership styles and the importance of having confidence in one’s own style. Since that memorable counseling nearly four years ago, Jamieson continued to strengthen his leadership skills, emphasizing the value of effective communication in both leading and following. CDT Ritter served as Stalwart Battalion’s S6 and was set to commission as a Quartermaster Officer in the New York Army National Guard in May.