CLEVELAND — A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed on the East Side in the early morning hours. The suspect has been identified as Delawnte Hardy, 24, and he has been charged with aggravated murder, police said.
Police Chief Annie Todd and Mayor Justin Bibb held a press conference at 6:45 a.m. where we learned that a 27-year-old Third District police officer was shot and killed while interacting with a suspect wanted for felony assault.
“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 enjoy 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 following the officer’s death:
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Police Department officers today. Our entire city mourns the tragic loss of this dedicated public servant.
We will fully support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice to the fullest extent of the law.
My deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of our fallen officer. Please pray for his family and the Cleveland Division of Police as we grieve this senseless loss.
News 5 had a crew on scene throughout the night and learned that police were called to East 80th, near Wade Park, for reports of shots fired around 1:30 a.m.
Police said the suspect left the house and attempted to flee on a bicycle. Several officers were present. Officers attempted to stop him, but he fired at them multiple times, authorities said. Hardy was arrested and was not injured, police said.
Police have not yet released the name of the officer, who had been with the force for four years.
Neighbors said they heard about ten gunshots, and our reporters saw about twenty gunshot marks scattered on the road.
Cleveland police officer shot and taken to hospital
There was a heavy police presence throughout the night, both at the scene, where several city blocks were closed, and on UH’s main campus in Cleveland.
At the hospital, a News 5 reporter saw a coffin draped with an American flag being loaded into a van as officers saluted, followed by a police motorcade driving away from the hospital.
Police officer shot and wounded in Hough neighborhood
A UH News 5 photographer was present at the procession.
A rough morning in Cleveland. A police motorcade leaves University Hospitals just hours after a Cleveland police officer was shot and killed while on duty.#Cleveland 🎥 @AbeTV5 pic.twitter.com/CHEXWiE2mO
— Mike Brookbank (@brookbanktv) July 4, 2024
This is a developing story.
News Source : www.news5cleveland.com
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