Related To Story Officer Owens Slain
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Coroner Officially Rules Death Of Officer As Homicide
POSTED: 6:45 pm EST February 29,
2008
UPDATED: 11:47 pm EST March 1,
2008
CLEVELAND -- The Cuyahoga County Coroner ruled the cause of death of a police officer fatally shot in the line of duty as a homicide Saturday.Officer Derek Owens, 36, died after undergoing surgery Friday evening after he was shot in the stomach on the city's southeast side. Owens was taken in a squad car to MetroHealth Medical Center. He was shot just under his bulletproof vest and initially listed in critical condition.Share Thoughts, Prayers A brief ceremony was held by fellow officers after Owens body arrived at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's office.Police said one person has been arrested and four others are in custody. The person arrested is 19 years old and believed to be the shooter. He has not been identified yet.The shooting happened around 6:30 p.m. at East 104th Street and Parkview. Cleveland police Lt. Tom Stacho said Owens and his partner approached four men after receiving complaints that men were drinking beer in an abandoned garage. The men attempted to flee the scene, and the officers chased the men on foot. Owens is a 4th District officer who has been on the force for 10 years. He is married with an 8-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. His family members, friends, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity brothers and other police officers were at the hospital while he was in surgery. Crime Stoppers is also offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to information in connection with the shooting.City officials released the following statements: Police Chief Michael McGrath
"It is a sad day for the Cleveland Police and all of Greater Cleveland. The death of Officer Owens is senseless and tragic. He was a true hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community. My prayers go out to his family."Mayor Frank Jackson
"The City of Cleveland is mourning the loss of Officer Owens who gave his life protecting the citizens of Cleveland. My prayers are with his family."
"It is a sad day for the Cleveland Police and all of Greater Cleveland. The death of Officer Owens is senseless and tragic. He was a true hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his community. My prayers go out to his family."Mayor Frank Jackson
"The City of Cleveland is mourning the loss of Officer Owens who gave his life protecting the citizens of Cleveland. My prayers are with his family."
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