End Of Watch Ceremony Scheduled For Heights Officer Jason West

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — On Saturday, the Cleveland Heights Police Department will hold an End of Watch ceremony for Officer Jason West, who was shot and killed while on duty in 2007. The event is open to the public and will begin at 8:45 p.m. at city hall.

Chief of Police Annette Mecklenburg and department chaplain Reverend Jimmie Hicks Jr. are scheduled to appear at the event. Flowers at the ceremony will come from Nela Florist.

West was killed over Memorial Day weekend while responding to a call on Altamont Avenue, near South Taylor Road. There was a large party happening at the home that West was sent to, and a fight had broken out over a woman. Three cruisers were sent to the disturbance.

West pulled down Altamont going east, trailed by a second cruiser, according to the Officers Down Memorial Page. The third police cruiser was going west down Altamont.

As the three cop cars approached the scene, they saw a suspect in a car. The suspect pulled his car into a driveway and West pulled his cruiser in behind the car, blocking it in. West then got out of his vehicle to talk to the suspect.

"When Officer West stepped out of his cruiser, the suspect opened fire at him from inside the parked car. The suspect then exited the car and continued to shoot Officer West at close range, striking him in the leg and face," the Memorial Page said.

The suspect took off running, but was eventually taken into custody on Beechwood Avenue. He was sentenced to life in prison for aggravated murder.

West was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He was 31. He is survived by his parents and sister.

The Cleveland Heights Police Department shared details of Saturday's End of Watch service on Facebook. Some comments remembered the young officer warmly.

On Saturday, the community will remember West's sacrifice. The public is encouraged to attend.

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