‘In mourning’: Ohio stands with Cleveland after Jamieson Ritter shooting death

(WJW) — Ohio police officers gave their condolences following the shooting death of a 27-year-old Cleveland police officer early Thursday.

Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, whose identity police revealed Thursday afternoon, was a four-year veteran of the police department, according to a news release.

The four-year Cleveland police officer was killed just before 1 a.m. while attempting to apprehend a felonious assault suspect near Wade Park, according to authorities.

A 24-year-old Cleveland man has been 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.

Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and in the capital until sunset on the day of Ritter’s funeral.

Federal, state and local leaders and law enforcement agencies issued statements on social media Thursday:

Gov. Mike DeWine

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. 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.

Attorney General Dave Yost

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

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

My deepest condolences are with Officer Ritter’s loved ones and the Cleveland Police Department.

Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office

On behalf of the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, I extend my condolences to the members of the Cleveland Division of Police on the senseless and tragic killing of Police Officer Jamieson Ritter. This is another stark reminder of the increasing violence against law enforcement, and the danger faced by those who answer the call to 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.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne

Shaker Heights Police Department

The Shaker Heights Police Department is deeply saddened to learn of the line-of-duty murder of a 27-year old Cleveland police officer overnight. We stand today in mourning for the officer, and offer our deepest sympathies to his family and to the Cleveland Division of Police. We ask that our community keep the officer and his family in their thoughts.

Fairlawn Police Department

This morning, we were saddened to learn of the tragic news regarding the death of a Cleveland Police Officer. The officer was fatally shot while trying to apprehend a suspect. The Fairlawn Police Department expresses its deepest sympathies and stands in solidarity with the Cleveland Division of Police during this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers go out to the officer’s family, colleagues, and everyone impacted by this heartbreaking loss.

Fairport Harbor Police Department

Heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Fairport Harbor Police Department to the family of the Cleveland police officer that was killed in the line of duty last night.

Burton Village Police Department

We are saddened to learn of the line of duty loss of a Cleveland Police Officer. The officer was shot and transported to the hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and colleagues.

Solon Police Department

Members of the Solon Police Department are saddened by the news that a Cleveland Police Officer was shot and killed in the line of duty last night. The name of the 27-year-old Officer has not been released, pending notifications. Please keep CPD and the family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Chardon Police Department

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

Perkins Township Police Department

The news of the fallen Officer from the Cleveland Police Department hits hard, a tragic reminder of the dangers first responders face every day. Our hearts ache for the bravery and sacrifice shown by this hero in the line of duty.

To the Fallen Officer, their loved ones, colleagues, and the entire Cleveland Division of Police, we send our fervent thoughts and prayers during this incredibly tough time. Your courage will never be forgotten.

Bay Village Police Department

The Bay Village Police Department sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Officer Jamieson Ritter.

University of Akron Police Department

Our deepest sympathies to the Cleveland Police Department. The loss of officer Jamieson Ritter has truly impacted the Law Enforcement community. 💙 The University of Akron Police Department sends our condolences and prayers. Rest in peace.

Medina County Sheriff’s Office

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

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

Avon Police Department

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

Lorain County Sheriff’s Office

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

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

We appreciate all Law Enforcement who continue to sacrifice this day and everyday.

Summit County Sheriff’s Office

We’re so saddened to learn of the senseless killing of a Cleveland Police officer early this morning. Our hearts go out to their family, friends, and colleagues.

Medina Police Department

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Cleveland Police Department and the Ritter family after suffering the loss of Officer Ritter. While on patrol last night, Officer Ritter was tragically shot and killed. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Cleveland Cavaliers

This morning, we received the heartbreaking news of a Cleveland police officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the officer’s family, friends and the entire law enforcement community. His sacrifice underscores the true meaning of service and commitment to our community.

U.S. Rep. 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 be done. It is truly tragic to see a young man taken from us too soon. In May, Officer Ritter was named Officer of the Month by the Cleveland Police Foundation, for three heroic actions taken in this year alone. Officer Ritter was someone who saved lives and helped those in need.

It is beyond heartbreaking that we have lost an officer in the line of duty, a powerful and sober reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take every day to protect us.

Nine other Northeast Ohio police officers have been killed in the line of duty in criminal incidents over the last 10 years, according to the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police . On the Cleveland police force, those deaths include:

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

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

• David J. Fahey Jr., who was killed Jan. 24, 2017 , by a hit-and-run driver while assisting at the scene of a fatal crash on Interstate 90.

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