Ohio Police Response to Cleveland Police Officer Shooting Death

Justin Dennis and Jordan Unger

9 hours ago

(WJW) – Ohio police officers expressed their condolences early Thursday on the shooting death of a 27-year-old Cleveland police officer.

Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, whose identity police released Thursday afternoon, had been with the police force for four years, according to a press release.

Authorities said the four-year Cleveland police officer was killed shortly before 1 a.m. while attempting to arrest a suspect on assault charges near Wade Park.

A 24-year-old Cleveland man was arrested and charged with aggravated murder, the FOX 8 I-Team reported.

“This is a very sad day for the officer’s family, his family in blue and the city of Cleveland,” Cleveland Police Union President Andy Gasiewski said Thursday morning.

Governor Mike DeWine has ordered that on the day of Ritter’s funeral, U.S. and state flags on all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and the capital city fly at half-staff until sunset.

Federal, state and local leaders and law enforcement officials released the following statements on social media on Thursday:

Governor Mike DeWine

Fran and I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. He 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. On this Independence Day, this tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our police and military members make for freedom and public safety.

Attorney General Dave Yost

This young officer was a selfless hero who served his community with benevolence and dedicated his life to containing evil.

The loss of a police officer on a day when we celebrate our country’s many freedoms is a cruel reminder of the price paid by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our communities safe.

My deepest condolences go out to the family of Officer Ritter and the Cleveland Police Department.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office

On behalf of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, I would like to express my condolences to the members of the Cleveland Division of Police on the senseless and tragic murder of Officer Jamieson Ritter. This is another stark reminder of the increasing violence against police and the danger faced by those in the line of duty. My heart breaks for Officer Jamieson Ritter’s family and loved ones. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Cleveland Division of Police.

Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County Executive

Shaker Heights Police Department

The Shaker Heights Police Department is deeply saddened by the news that a 27-year-old Cleveland Police Officer was murdered in the line of duty overnight. We mourn the loss of the Officer today and extend our deepest condolences to his family and the Cleveland Police Department. We ask that our community keep the Officer and his family in their thoughts.

Fairlawn Police Department

This morning, we learned with great sadness the tragic news of the death of a Cleveland Police Officer. The officer was fatally shot while attempting to arrest a suspect. The Fairlawn Police Department extends its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the Cleveland Police Department during this difficult time. Our condolences and prayers go out to the officer’s family, his colleagues, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.

Fairport Harbor Police Department

On behalf of the Fairport Harbor Police Department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the Cleveland Police Officer killed in the line of duty last night.

Burton Village Police Department

We are saddened by the loss of a Cleveland Police Officer who died in the line of duty. The officer was shot and transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues.

Solon Police Station

Members of the Solon Police Department are saddened to hear of the news that a Cleveland Police Officer was shot and killed in the line of duty last night. The 27-year-old officer’s name has not been released pending notification. Please keep the CPD and their family and friends in mind and pray for them.

Chardon Police Station

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cleveland Police Department and the family of their officer killed in the line of duty this morning.

Perkins Township Police Department

The news of the death of a Cleveland Police Officer is a tragic reminder of the dangers first responders face every day. We are deeply saddened by the bravery and sacrifice of this hero in the line of duty.

We send our deepest thoughts and prayers to the deceased officer, his family, colleagues and the entire Cleveland Police Department during this incredibly difficult time. Their courage will never be forgotten.

Bay Village Police Department

The Bay Village Police Department would like to extend its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Jamieson Ritter.

University of Akron Police Department

Our deepest condolences go out to the Cleveland Police Department. The loss of Officer Jamieson Ritter has hit the police community hard. 💙 The University of Akron Police send our condolences and prayers. Rest in peace.

Medina County Sheriff’s Office

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cleveland Division of Police on the loss of Officer Ritter, who was killed last night in the line of duty during a disturbance. We mourn with his family, the officers’ family, and his friends.

On this day as we celebrate our country’s freedom, please remember that freedom is never free.

Avon Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cleveland Police Department, the officer’s family, and their Blue Family.

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office

As you celebrate the holidays with your family and loved ones, please keep in your thoughts and prayers the family of the Cleveland Division Police Officer who was tragically killed in the line of duty.

The men and women who wear the uniform are warriors and will continue to fight evil in society to ensure you can enjoy your holiday.

We thank all law enforcement officers who continue to make sacrifices today and every day.

Summit County Sheriff’s Office

We are deeply saddened to learn of the senseless killing of a Cleveland Police Officer this morning. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues.

Medina Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Cleveland Police Department and the Ritter family as they mourn the loss of Officer Ritter. Officer Ritter was tragically shot last night while on patrol. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Cleveland Cavaliers

This morning we received the heartbreaking news that a Cleveland Police Officer was tragically killed in the line of duty. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends and the entire police community. His sacrifice underscores the true meaning of service and commitment to our community.

US Representative Shontel Brown

I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of Officer Jamieson Ritter and my prayers are with his family, loved ones and the men and women of the Cleveland Division of Police.

Officer Ritter made the ultimate sacrifice for our community and justice must prevail. It is truly tragic that a young man is taken from us so soon. In May, Officer Ritter was named Officer of the Month by the Cleveland Police Foundation for three heroic acts he performed this year alone. Officer Ritter was someone who saved lives and helped those in need.

It is beyond heartbreaking that we have lost a police officer in the line of duty. He is a stark and sobering reminder of the risks police officers take every day to protect us.

According to the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police, nine other Northeast Ohio police officers have died in criminal incidents while on duty in the past decade. Cleveland Police Department deaths include:

• Shane Bartek, who was killed during a carjacking on Cleveland’s west side on December 31, 2021, was shot twice while struggling with the suspect for their gun.

• James Michael Skernivitz, who was shot and killed while inside a car during an attempted robbery near West 65th Street and Storer Avenue in Cleveland on September 3, 2020.

• David J. Fahey Jr. was killed by a fleeing driver on January 24, 2017 while rendering aid at the scene of a fatal crash on Interstate 90.