Jamieson Ritter Identified as Slain Cleveland Police Officer

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday morning has been identified as Jamieson Ritter, 27, who worked with the department for the past four years while assigned to the Third District.

“Today is a sad day for our city,” Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd said in a statement. “Ironically, on this day dedicated to freedom, we are reminded of the evil that seeks to impose itself on our community. However, despite our pain and suffering, we recognize Officer Ritter’s immense sacrifice and will honor his memory and compassion. We will continue to hold his legacy in our hearts.”

Ritter graduated from Syracuse University in 2019 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army National Guard. As a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, he served in the 134th Field Artillery Regiment. After joining the Cleveland Division of Police in November 2020, Ritter deployed to Syria in 2022 with his unit and returned to continue his service in the City of Cleveland in 2023.

Ritter is originally from Webster, New York, and graduated from McQuaid Jesuit High School in 2015. In a statement, the Cleveland Division of Police said, “Ritter grew up with a deep desire to serve his country and community.” His family confirms that “from a young age, Jamieson possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community.”

According to NBC affiliate WHEC in Rochester, New York, Ritter’s father, Jon, was a police officer in Greece, New York. Ritter’s father is credited with saving lives on Christmas Eve 2012, when a suspect named William Spengler set fire to and shot and killed firefighters responding to the incident on Lake Road. Ritter was on his way to work and used his car to prevent others from being hit by the gunfire.

Jon Ritter retired from the Greece Police Department in 2013.

SUBSCRIBE: Get the day’s top headlines delivered to your inbox every weekday morning with the free 3News to GO newsletter!

3News has learned that Ritter was recognized as Officer of the Month for May due to his heroic actions in multiple situations.

The first time was on Feb. 2, when Ritter went to the 3400 block of East 69th with Officer Brittany Vajusi, where a man had been shot in the chest.

“The man was unconscious, not breathing, and had no pulse,” according to a report from the Cleveland Police Foundation. “Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter immediately went to work removing clothing, applying chest compresses, and beginning CPR. For several minutes, officers worked tirelessly performing chest compressions and restoring a pulse. Although the victim sadly died moments later, officers did everything they could to give him a chance at survival.”

The second incident occurred on April 20, when Officers Ritter and Vajusi responded to the 1000 block of Old River Road, where a man had jumped into the Cuyahoga River.

“Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter, along with several other officers, were able to pull the man from the water,” according to the Cleveland Police Foundation. “Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter assisted in providing first aid and warming the man to prevent hypothermia. The man was transported to Metro Hospital. Once again, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter played a key role in saving someone’s life.”

The most recent situation occurred on May 9, when Ritter and Vajusi responded to a call about a man shot at East 55th and McBride.

“Upon arrival, they located a man who had been shot multiple times,” according to the Cleveland Police Foundation. “For the next five minutes, Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter removed the man’s clothing, applied bandages and bandages to his chest, and offered him words of encouragement in an attempt to keep him alive. As if that wasn’t enough, they also asked for information on who had fired the shots. Their search ultimately led to the arrest of the suspected shooter. The officers literally investigated while they saved the victim’s life. Patrol Officer Ritter stayed with the victim until he was inside the emergency vehicle. I do not believe the victim would have survived without the dedication of Patrol Officers Vajusi and Ritter to saving lives.”

As a result, both Ritter and Vajusi were named police officers of the month.

Cleveland Police Chief Annie Todd said he was shot while responding to a call in the 1500 block of East 80th about a man wanted for felony assault.

When police attempted to arrest the man, Chief Todd said he “pulled out a firearm and began firing multiple shots.”

The suspect was identified as 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy. He was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.

Want to be among the first to know about the most important local and national news? The latest sports updates? We’ve got you covered! You can download the free WKYC app and get the latest updates on your phone: Android, Apple.