Cleveland officer shot, others hurt after suspect fires at police

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – One cleveland police officer was at shot and others injured Saturday afternoon following responding to a shooting call.

Police responded to a call of a 33-year-old man suffering from gunshot wounds at 5222 Fleet Ave. by the Open Pantry at 2:13 p.m.

Police initiated an investigation and canvassed the scene.

While investigating, police saw a vehicle circling the scene and obtained information suggesting a suspect could have been driving the car.

The Cleveland Police Department said the 24-year-old suspect is believed to have shot at officers several times before fleeing the area.

Allegedly someone shot at the officers’ car on Fleet Ave., Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association President Andy Gasiewski told 19 News reporter Keith Grant.

One officer sustained shrapnel-related injuries from bullet strikes.

With assistance from the Real Time Crime Center, officers located the vehicle near Track Road and Martin Avenue.

Officers attempted to make contact, but the suspect fled, initiating a pursuit.

While in pursuit, the suspect shot at officers, striking their windshield.

In the car shooting, a second officer suffered a graze wound, possibly from a bullet or shrapnel.

One officer fired at the suspect.

The pursuit ended near 15617 Chagrin Blvd. when the suspect crashed into a building.

The suspect attempted to flee on foot, but was taken into custody.

During the pursuit, one police vehicle was involved in a crash and struck a tree.

Another police cruiser, attempting to respond for assistance, was involved in an additional crash near East 75th Street and Kinsman Road.

The officers involved in the East 75th Street and Kinsman Road crash were transported to the hospital.

Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association President Andy Gasiewski told 19 News reporter Keith Grant that the suspect encouraged police to shoot at him.

The first officer who was shot was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition.

One of the officers who sustained injuries received hospital treatment and was released.

All three officers involved in the crash are reported to be in stable condition, with one sustaining injuries.

Police expect the suspect to be released soon, as he was not shot during the incident.

Following his release, police say he will be transported to the county jail.

Charges are still being determined.

The Cleveland Police Force Investigation Team and the Cleveland Police Accident Investigation Unit will conduct the investigation.