Cleveland officer cleared, another indicted on misdemeanor in connection with Parma fatal shooting

CLEVELAND - One of two Cleveland police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a burglary suspect in Parma has been indicted on a misdemeanor charge -- the other was cleared.

The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office Tuesday said a grand jury indicted Officer David Mindek on one count of dereliction of duty.

A news release from the prosecutor said:

“Grand Jurors found that Officer Mindek was in violation of ORC 2921.44(A)(2), for negligently failing to prevent or halt the commission of an offense or to apprehend an offender, when it is in the law enforcement officer's power to do so alone or with available assistance.”

Parma police said Mindek and Officer Matthew Craska went to Daniel Ficker’s home on Wareham Drive last July to question him about an alleged burglary at Mindek’s house.

Craska shot and killed Ficker after the two got into a fight, according to Pat D’Angelo, the attorney the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Union.

Ficker’s family has complained about the lengthy investigation into his death. They even put up a billboard on Fulton Road near Bush Avenue to ask for justice.

Ficker’s father, Dennis, has also filed a complaint with the FBI about Craska and Mindek, both of which remained on duty after the shooting. However, Craska was placed on light duty, which limits his interactions with the public.

No date has been set yet for Mindek’s arraignment.

Keep checking newsnet5.com for more information.