‘Painful reminder:’ Flags in Ohio at half-staff

CLEVELAND , Ohio (WJW) – Flags in Ohio are flying at half-staff in honor of the life and service of fallen Cleveland Police Officer Jamieson Ritter .

Governor Mike DeWine ordered flags at all public buildings and grounds throughout Cuyahoga County and at the Ohio Statehouse, Vern Riffe Center, and Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus to be lowered until sunset on the day of Ritter’s funeral.

The order was issued July 4, the day Ritter was shot and killed.

Ritter, who was just 27 years old, had been with the Cleveland Division of Police for four years. He was part of a team that responded to the area of Wade Park for a report of a wanted man. The suspect attempted to get away on a bike and pulled out a gun and began firing, police said.

The suspect Delawnte Hardy, 24, was taken into custody and is charged with aggravated murder.

“This tragedy is a painful reminder of the sacrifices our law enforcement and military members make in support of freedom and public safety,” said 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 Monday, a memorial service and procession was held in downtown Cleveland. A funeral for Ritter is being held in New York state, where he grew up.

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