Cleveland police officer fatally shot in the city’s Hough neighborhood, suspect charged

7/5/2024 UPDATE: Bond set at $5M for suspect in fatal shooting of Cleveland police officer

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A Cleveland police officer was fatally shot on the city’s East side Thursday morning and a 24-year-old suspect is now charged with aggravated murder.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said Officer Jamieson Ritter, 27, was shot in the 1500 block of E. 80th Place around 1 a.m. This is in the city’s Hough neighborhood.

According to Chief Todd, multiple officers responded to the area to serve a warrant on a man wanted for felonious assault.

When they arrived, the suspect, later identified as Delawnte Hardy, was seen leaving a home on a bicycle. While trying to stop him, Chief Todd said the suspect fired shots, striking Officer Ritter.

Hardy was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Cuyahoga County Justice Center. He is charged with aggravated murder.

Chief Todd added Hardy was not injured, but was taken to the hospital as a “pre-cautionary measure.”

Chief Todd said Officer Ritter has been with the department for four years and was assigned to the Third District.

“They need to be recognized for the heroes they are,” said Chief Todd.

“I ask the residents of Cleveland to pray for this family and the men and women of our police department,” said Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb.

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