CLEVELAND (WJW) — Police are investigating after an on-duty officer was shot at the 2800 block of Central Avenue in Cleveland Tuesday evening.
The 28-year-old officer, who hasn’t been identified at this time, is in stable condition after being shot in the arm and leg.
According to Police Chief Wayne Drummond, two detectives discovered what they believed to be a stolen Kia around 6:20 p.m. When they approached the vehicle, Drummond says four suspects got out of the vehicle and started to run.
The unoccupied vehicle kept going forward and crashed into a pillar.
One of the suspects dropped a weapon, which the officer picked up and placed in his detective car. As he got out, Drummond says one of the suspects in a bright orange jacket fired four shots at him before running off through the Cedar Estates Apartments.
Two of those shots hit the officer — once in the leg and once in the arm, Drummond says. Another officer rendered aid right away with a tourniquet.
The officer was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he is in stable condition.
“He’s doing really well. I talked to him, but still, he was struck,” Drummond said.
The I-Team learned that the officer started with the Cleveland Division of Police in 2018.
“Please pray for our officer,” said police union president Jeff Follmer. “He is being treated right now. We are asking for prayers for a speedy recovery.”
Police are now looking for the four suspects involved in the incident.
“We believe only one person fired the shots,” Drummond said. “We are currently trying to locate all four individuals and especially the person who actually shot our officer.”
Three firearms were recovered from the scene.
Drummond says they don’t believe any of their officers discharged their weapons.
Cleveland police also confirmed a nearby crash involving a zone car was on its way to assisting the officer who was shot.
Officers involved in the crash, which took place at East 30th Street and Carnegie Avenue, were reportedly also taken to MetroHealth Medical Center. They are also doing well.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 216-623-5464.
