Cleveland police officer shot and killed overnight

CLEVELAND — A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed on the East Side in the early morning hours.

Police chief Annie Todd and Mayor Justin Bibb held a 6:45 a.m. press conference at which we learned that a 27-year-old officer out of the Third District was shot and killed while on a call for a suspect wanted for felonious assault.

“We ask the residents 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 we have in this country. That freedom depends on the men and women of our police department, not just in Cleveland, but across the nation,” Bibb said.

Bibb released the following statement on the death of the officer:

“I am heartbroken about the devastating loss of one of our Cleveland Division of Police 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 mourn this senseless loss.”

News 5 had a crew on scene all night and learned that police were called to East 80th off Wade Park for reports of shots fired around 1:30 a.m.

Police say the suspect exited the house and tried to flee on a bike. Several officers were present. Police tried to arrest him, and he fired on them multiple times, according to authorities. A 24-year-old man was arrested and has no injuries, say police.

Police have not yet released the officer’s name. He was a four-year veteran of the force.

Neighbors say they heard around 10 gunshots, and our reporters saw about 20 evidence markers scattered in the roadway.

Cleveland police officer shot and transported to hospital

There was a massive police presence all night both at the scene, where multiple city blocks were closed off, and at UH Main Campus in Cleveland.

At the hospital, a News 5 reporter saw a casket draped with an American flag loaded into a van while officers saluted, followed by a police procession away from the hospital.

Officer shot in Hough neighborhood

A News 5 photographer at UH was present for the procession.

A tough morning in Cleveland.A police procession leaves University Hospitals just hours after a Cleveland police officer was shot while on duty.#cleveland 🎥 @AbeTV5 pic.twitter.com/CHEXWiE2mO

— Mike Brookbank (@brookbanktv) July 4, 2024

This is a developing story.