Cleveland police officer killed in line of duty while arresting wanted suspect

CLEVELAND (WHAM) — A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday while responding to a call about a suspect wanted for aggravated assault.

Jamieson Ritter, 27, who has worked for the police for four years, was shot in the Hough neighborhood, several news agencies reported.

The suspect, 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy, is charged with aggravated murder.

During a press conference, Police Chief Dorothy Todd said Ritter was one of several officers who attempted to arrest Hardy after an arrest warrant was issued.

While Hardy attempted to flee the scene on a bicycle, he pulled out a gun and opened fire on the officers, killing Ritter, Todd said.

Ritter graduated from McQuaid Jesuit in 2015 and Syracuse University in 2019 before serving in the Army National Guard. He became a Cleveland police officer in November 2020. After a deployment to Syria in 2022, he returned to Cleveland in 2023.

According to Cleveland police, Ritter grew up “with a deep desire to serve his country and his community.”

His family confirms that “from a young age, Jamieson possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community.”

“Today is a sad day for our city,” Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said in a statement. “Ironically, on this day dedicated to freedom, we are reminded of the evil that is being sought to be imposed on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we recognize the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter made and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts.”

Hardy was arraigned Friday morning and a judge set bail at $5 million. His next court date is scheduled for July 17.

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Editor’s note: Alexx Altman Devilbiss of the National Desk contributed to this report.