Ambush anniversary revisited

DAYTON, OH (WDTN) - Dayton Police Officer Rob Cleaver relives that horrific day 16 years ago May 23, 1996 when he and fellow DPD Officer Jason Grossnickle were ambushed leaving Grossnickle dead and Cleaver wounded.

Both arrived at 3rd District Headquarters inside the old Roosevelt Center on West Third Street that afternoon when 24 year old Maurice Fareed opened fire.

Earlier Fareed had shot and killed a delivery driver, stealing his box truck then driving to the district.

According to Cleaver, Fareed was upset thinking the weight of the world was on his shoulders, that nothing worked life and before the Memorial Day Holiday he was going to 'make something happen.'

Cleaver and Grossnickle were friends at the Dayton Police Academy.

Grossnickle was continuing a third generation tradition of officers on Dayton's force.

After recovery, Rob decided to stay the course, continue serving the citizens of the community he loves.

Among his normal street duties, Rob now works the canine unit, speaks to the cadets at the academy and councils other officers and their families during difficult times.

He says 'quit' isn't part of his conversation.

Watch 'Officer Down, Not Out' and a portion of Rob's un-edited interview by clicking each story.