CLEVELAND — A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed in the early morning hours on the East Side.
Police Chief Annie Todd and Mayor Justin Bibb held a press conference at 6:45 a.m., revealing that a 27-year-old officer from the Third Precinct had been shot and killed while responding to a wanted suspect in a felony.
“We ask the people of Cleveland to pray for this family. Pray for the men and women of our police department, especially as we celebrate this Fourth of July holiday and the freedom that 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,” Bibb said.
Bibb released the following statement regarding the officer’s death:
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Division of Police officers today. Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated officer.
We will fully support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice as quickly as possible, in accordance with legal provisions.
My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen officer. Please keep his family and the Cleveland Division of Police in your prayers as we mourn this senseless loss.”
News 5 had a crew on scene all night and learned that police were called to East 80th near Wade Park for reports of shots fired around 1:30 a.m.
According to police, the suspect left the home and attempted to flee on a bicycle. Multiple officers were present. Police attempted to arrest him, and he shot at them multiple times, authorities said. A 24-year-old man was arrested and was unharmed, police said.
Police have not yet released the name of the officer, who was a four-year veteran of the force.
Neighbors say they heard about 10 gunshots and our reporters saw about 20 evidence markers scattered on the road.
Cleveland police officer shot, taken to hospital
There was a massive police presence throughout the night, both at the scene, where several city blocks were cordoned off, and at UH’s main campus in Cleveland.
Inside the hospital, a News 5 reporter watched as a casket draped with an American flag was loaded into a van as officers saluted, and then a police procession walked away from the hospital.
Officer Shot in Hough Neighborhood
A News 5 photographer at UH attended the procession.
A rough morning in Cleveland. A police parade leaves University Hospitals, just hours after a Cleveland police officer was shot in the line of duty.#cleveland 🎥 @AbeTV5 photo.twitter.com/CHEXWiE2mO
— Mike Brookbank (@brookbanktv) July 4, 2024
This is a developing story.