Cleveland Police Department, Ohio |
End of Watch: Thursday, September 3, 2020 |
JAMES SKERNIVITZ
On Thursday, September 3, 2020 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Detective James Skernivitz was shot and killed in the line of duty in the area of West 65th Street & Storer Avenue. A citizen was also shot and killed in this incident. Detective Skernivitz was assigned to the Gang Impact Unit and was recently sworn in as a Violent Crimes Task Force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working on the national law enforcement initiative Operation Legend. Members of the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit have identified and taken into custody three persons of interest who were arrested on unrelated charges, two juveniles and one adult. This investigation remains in its early stages and additional information may be released as it becomes available. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 216-622-6842.
Detective Skernivitz became a police officer in February of 1998 and served the division for over twenty-two years. He is survived by his wife, Kristin and children. Upon applying to become an officer, Detective Skernivitz wrote, “Being a police officer would give me the chance to work and help the public and a chance to keep the city in which I grew up safe.” He did just that every day that he reported to work. Members of the Division of Police thank the community for their prayers as we mourn the loss of our brother.
“Detective Skernivitz dedicated his life to the citizens of Cleveland and made our city a safer place,” said Director of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard.
An informant who was with Detective Skernivitz was also killed when a subject opened fire on them while they were both inside of Detective Skernivitz's vehicle. The suspect(s) remain at large.
Detective Skernivitz had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 25 years.
BIO
Age 54
Tour 25 years
Badge 2249
INCIDENT DETAILS
Cause Gunfire
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender At large
Source: https://www.odmp.org/officer/24846-detective-james-skernivitz
Comments