Cleveland Police Officer Killed, 3 Suspects In Custody

CLEVELAND — Cleveland police detective James Skernivitz was killed in a shooting on Thursday night.

Skernivitz was 53 and an undercover drug detective. He was on W. 65th when someone shot at him. Three people have been taken into custody as part of the investigation into Skernivitz's death.

"Detective Skernivitz gave his life trying to keep danger off the streets of Cleveland. This tragedy shows once again the valor and honor of the police — and that there are yet dangerous, evil men in the world who must be brought to justice," Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement.

Scott Dinges, 50, was also killed during the shooting, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's office announced. He was not a suspect in the case, but have been an informant working with Skernivitz, the Associated Press reported.

The FBI has created a tipline for information regarding Skernivitz's death. The agency asks callers to use 216-622-6842 with tips.

Tipsters can be anonymous and reward money is available for info leading to successful identification and prosecution of person(s) responsible, an FBI spokesperson said.

Gov. Mike DeWine has ordered all flags at public buildings in Cuyahoga County and Columbus to be flown at half-staff in Skernivitz's memory. Flags should remain lowered until sunset after Skernivitz's funeral.

"My heart breaks for [Skernivitz's] family and I pray that in their grief, they find solace in his legacy of service and sacrifice," Yost said.

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this article