CLEVELAND (WHAM) — A Cleveland police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty early Thursday while responding to a call for a suspect wanted for felonious assault.

Jamieson Ritter, 27, a four-year veteran of the department, was shot in the city's Hough neighborhood, multiple news outlets reported.

The suspect, 24-year-old De’Lawnte Hardy, is charged with aggravated murder.

During a news conference, Police Chief Dorothy Todd said Ritter was among several officers who tried to arrest Hardy after a warrant was issued.

While Hardy was attempting to flee the scene on a bicycle, he pulled a gun and opened fire on officers killing Ritter, Todd said.

Ritter graduated from McQuaid Jesuit in 2015 and Syracuse University in 2019 before serving in the Army National Guard. He became a Cleveland police officer in November 2020. After a deployment to Syria in 2022, he returned to Cleveland in 2023.

According to the Cleveland Division of Police, Ritter "grew up with profound desire to serve his country and his community."

His family confirms that “from an early age, Jamieson possessed an innate understanding of selfless service to the nation and a strong desire to serve his community.”

Today is a sad day for our city," Cleveland Police Chief Dorothy Todd said in a statement. "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.

Hardy was arraigned Friday morning and a judge set bond at $5 million. His next court date is scheduled for July 17.