Man accused of killing Officer Jamieson Ritter involved in jail incident: I-Team

CLEVELAND (WJW) – The FOX 8 I-Team has found a man suspected of killing a Cleveland police officer now accused of causing a disturbance in jail and fighting with corrections officers.

A spokesperson tells us, last weekend, guards had to use pepper spray to control Delawnte Hardy inside the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Meanwhile, Hardy, at this point, has no chance at all to get out of jail before trial.

Wednesday, a Cuyahoga County judge held a short hearing on a push by prosecutors to keep Hardy locked up even in the unlikely chance he could post his bond which has been set at $10 million.

Lawyers appeared, but Hardy did not. A defense attorney explained Hardy was not there “pending an evaluation.”

Investigators say Hardy shot and killed Cleveland police officer Jamieson Ritter, as well as shot and killed his own grandmother.

At the hearing on Wednesday, police filled the room and the crowd included the Cleveland police chief.

Cuyahoga County prosecutors had filed a request to take away any chance Hardy could get out before trial, and they did not get an argument.

“My understanding is the defense will not be objecting to this, subject to reconsideration at a later time,” Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Kevin Filiatraut said.

“At this point in time, I do not oppose the state’s motion of no bond. At this point in time,” defense attorney Russell Tye said.

While lawyers spoke of an evaluation, they didn’t say specifically a mental health check. But, Hardy’s family has said he’s had mental health issues.

Defense lawyers did not return phone calls.

As for the incident in the jail, a spokesperson said in an email that a jail corporal opened the cell to allow Hardy to take a shower. Then, he stepped out and ran.

He “was stopped quickly by corrections officers. A brief struggle ensued and OC spray was deployed. Inmate was secured and taken to receive medical care, he was cleared medically and returned to his cell.”

One corrections officer suffered a minor injury.

Prosecutors could still decide to seek the death penalty for the two murders.

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