CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Division of Police identified the officer who was shot and killed on the Fourth of July.
Police identified the officer as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter, a four-year veteran of the department.
Authorities arrested 24-year-old De'Lawnte Hardy and charged him with aggravated murder. He's scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The shooting happened at East 80th Street near Wade Park in the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland. Police were called to the area around 1 a.m. after receiving a report of a man who was wanted for felonious assault.
Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd said officers attempted to confront Hardy, but he got out of the house and tried to leave the area on a bicycle. Officers then attempted to arrest Hardy. He brought out a firearm and fired it multiple times.
One of the bullets hit Ritter, according to Chief Todd. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.
Before his time in Cleveland, Ritter graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was a member of the Army National Guard. After joining Cleveland police in 2020, Ritter was deployed to Syria in 2022. He returned to Cleveland a year later.
"Today is a sad day for our city," said Chief Todd. "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."
Hardy was taken to a hospital as a precautionary measure, but he had no injuries.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb issued a brief statement while at a press conference.
“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.”
Flags lowered in honor of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter
Gov. Mike DeWine ordered Thursday that flags of the United States and the State of Ohio be flown at half-staff at all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and at the state buildings in Columbus until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings may fly the flags at half-staff at their discretion until the same time.
"Fran and I offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter, who not only dedicated his life to protecting the citizens of Cleveland but also served his state and nation as a member of the Ohio National Guard," DeWine said. "On this Independence Day, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement and military members make in support of freedom and public safety."