Police officer shot dead in Cleveland, suspect arrested

CLEVELAND — A police officer was shot and killed on Cleveland’s East Side early Thursday morning.

As Cleveland television station WEWS reported, a 27-year-old police officer was shot while responding to a 911 call for a suspect wanted for aggravated assault.

Investigators said several officers were present when the suspect left the house and attempted to flee the scene. Police attempted to arrest him, but he shot at them multiple times, WEWS reported, citing local authorities. Eventually, a 24-year-old man was arrested.

Neither the officer, a four-year veteran, nor the suspect have been identified.

“We ask the people of Cleveland to pray for the family of this police officer,” said Mayor Justin Bibb. “Pray for the men and women of our police department, especially as we celebrate the Fourth of July and the freedom we have in this country. That freedom depends on the men and women of our police department, not just in Cleveland, but across the country.”

Neighbors said they heard about 10 gunshots, and WEWS reporters said they saw about 20 warning markers scattered on the street.