July 4 – A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday morning.
The officer, identified as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter, was fatally shot while serving an arrest warrant. He was recently recognized as Officer of the Month after he and his partner saved the lives of two people earlier this year, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.
Governor. Mike De Wijn ordered the U.S. and Ohio state flags to be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds in Cuyahoga County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center and the Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus until sunset on the day of his funeral.
“(First Lady) Fran and I extend 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 country as a member of the Ohio National Guard,” DeWine said. “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.”
Ritter has been with the Cleveland Police Department since November 2020.
“Today is a sad day for our city,” said Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd. “Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that seeks to inflict upon our community. But despite our pain and sorrow, we remember the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter made and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts.”
A 24-year-old man has been charged with aggravated murder, the Plain Dealer reports.
