Police shoot and kill suspect in downtown Cleveland

CLEVELAND - A Cleveland police officer shot and killed a man early Saturday morning in downtown Cleveland.

Kenneth Smith, 20, of Euclid, died after being shot by an off-duty police officer.

The incident happened at about 2:50 a.m. on East 9th St. and Prospect Ave.

Cleveland Police Sgt. Sammy Morris said an off-duty police officer saw a fight in the parking lot of Wilbert's Bar on Bolivar Ave. The officer saw someone fire a handgun from a car. The gold Saturn then fled the scene.

The officer followed the car on foot and called for police assistance.

Other officers arrived and were able to stop the car at East 9th St. and Prospect Ave. Officers ordered the three men out of the car. Two of the men complied, but Smith, who was the front passenger did not.

The off-duty officer observed a gun in the car near Smith. The officer broke the window of the car and ordered Smith to put his hands up several times. Smith did not listen and reached for the gun.

At that time, the off-duty officer fired his gun, hitting Smith once in the head.

Smith was transported to MetroHealth Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

The two other men in the car were arrested and are awaiting charges.

The off-duty officer received a minor wound to his leg as a result of breaking the car window. He has been placed on administrative leave while the incident is investigated.