Police officer killed in the line of duty while serving warrant

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) - A police officer was fatally shot in Cleveland, Ohio, Thursday morning.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd identified the officer as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter.

According to Todd, Ritter was shot at about 1 a.m. in the city’s Hough neighborhood.

Todd reported multiple officers had 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 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 said Ritter had 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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