(7-4-24) The Cleveland Police Department said that Delawnte Hardy (24) is charged with aggravated murder in the deadly shooting of Officer Jamieson Ritter (27) this morning in the Hough neighborhood.

Hardy and Ritter

Police Chief Dorothy Todd is quoted in a release-

“Today is a sad day for our city. 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.”

Officers responded to the area for a report of a man who was wanted for felonious assault. The suspect tried to escape on a bike, then pulled out a gun and began firing.

Ritter was a four-year veteran of the police department.