Cleveland police officer killed in line of duty identified as Jamieson Ritter, 27

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cleveland Division of Police identified the officer shot and killed in the line of duty on July 4 as 27-year-old Jamieson Ritter, #1176.

Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said Ofc. Ritter was shot around 1 a.m. in the 1500 block of East 80th Street.

Officers were sent to this area of the Hough neighborhood to serve a warrant for a man wanted for felonious assault, according to Chief Todd.

Chief Todd said officers arrived to find the suspect, later identified as 24-year-old Delawnte Hardy, leaving a home on a bicycle.

Hardy opened fire on the officers trying to stop him, Chief Todd stated, and fatally struck Ofc. Ritter.

Chief Todd confirmed Hardy was taken into custody at the scene and charged with aggravated murder.

Though Hardy did not suffer any injuries, he was taken to the hospital as a “precautionary measure,” according to Chief Todd.

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

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Cleveland Division of Police

Ofc. Ritter served the Cleveland Division of Police Fourth District for four years “with distinction and pride,” Public Information Officer Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz stated.

After becoming a Cleveland police officer in Nov. 2020, Ofc. Ritter, who previously served with the National Guard, was deployed to Syria in 2020 with his unit, Sgt. Diaz said.

He returned to serve as an officer for the city of Cleveland in 2023, according to Sgt. Diaz.

“Today is a sad day for our city,” Chief Todd stated. “Ironically, on this day designated for freedom, we are reminded of the evil that tries to impose on our community. However, despite our pain and hurt, we take in the immense sacrifice Officer Ritter gave, and we will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to carry his legacy in our hearts.”

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Cleveland Police Officer of the Month

Ofc. Ritter was recently honored as the Cleveland Police Foundation’s Police Officer of the Month in May.

Below is the description of his heroic efforts by Cleveland Division of Police Third District Sgt. Eric Newton which earned him the nomination:

“On February 2, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to a male shot at 3425 East 69th. Upon their arrival, they located a male lying in the driveway with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was not conscious or breathing and had no pulse. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter immediately went to work removing clothing, applying chest seals, and starting CPR. For several minutes, the officers worked tirelessly giving chest compressions and restored the victim’s pulse. Though the victim sadly passed away moments later, the officers gave it their all to give the victim a chance at survival. On April 20, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to 1056 Old River Road for a male who had jumped into the Cuyahoga River. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter, along with several other officers, successfully pulled the male from the water. Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter assisted in providing first aid and warming the male up in order to prevent hypothermia. The male was conveyed to Metro Hospital. Again, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter played a key role in saving someone’s life.

Most recently, on May 9, 2024, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter responded to a call for a male shot at East 55th and McBride. Upon their arrival, they located a male who had been shot multiple times. For the next five minutes, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter removed the male’s clothing, applied bandages and chest seals, and gave words of encouragement to the male in an effort to keep him alive. As if this wasn’t enough, they were also inquiring for information about who had shot him. Their inquiries ultimately led to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The officers literally conducted the investigation at the same time they were saving the victim’s life. Patrol Officer Ritter stayed with the victim all the way until he was inside the EMS wagon. I do not believe the victim would have survived had it not been for Patrol Officer Vajusi and Ritter’s dedication to saving lives. "

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps & National Guard

Prior to becoming a Cleveland police officer, Ritter was a 2019 graduate of Syracuse University, enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Syracuse Army ROTC said Ritter was a Communication and Rhetorical Studies major as a cadet at the University.

”Jamieson has continued to strengthen his leadership skills, emphasizing the value of being able to communicate well not only when one is leading but also when following,” Syracuse Army ROTC shared in regards to his leadership training in Feb. 2019.

Ritter served as Stalwart Battalion’s S6 before he commissioned as a Quartermaster Officer in the New York Army National Guard, according to Syracuse Army ROTC.

Cleveland police said Ritter was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army National Guard, which he served with the 134th Field Artillery Regiment.

Hometown Hero

Ofc. Ritter is a Webster, N.Y. native who graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 2015.

Sgt. Diaz said he “grew up with profound desire to serve his country and his community.”

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

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