Officer Owens cousin Jeff Doggett talks with Newsradio WTAM 1100's Ted Klopp.

(Cleveland) - A man arrested in the shooting death of Cleveland Police Officer Derek Owens remains in jail without being charged, and his mother says the 19-year-old is innocent.

Police Lt. Thomas Stacho says the teen was taken into custody Friday night at his father's house, down the street from where Officer Owens was wounded while chasing a suspect through the neighborhood.

Police recovered three firearms at various locations but Stacho would not say where.

Stacho reports their investigation is continuing, but that it may be a long one, because they have a lot to sort out. He's appealing to the public for tips, and reports that a reward is available from the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association.

Stacho explains that police can hold someone for 72 hours without charging him.

He admits that the shooting has devastated the police department, causing their stress level to rise, but officers are doing all they can to comfort the Owens Family.



According to investigators Owens was shot in the stomach by a suspect about 6pm Friday near East 102nd Street and Parkview Avenue on the City's southeast side.

Patrolman Owens and another officer were on routine patrol when they noticed a group of five suspects in the area. They confronted the men, and the group scattered on foot.

Officer Owens gave chase and captured one of the men. Investigators claim that suspect wheeled around and fired several shots at Owens.

The officer was struck in the stomach. Stacho reports Owens was alert but falling in and out of consciousness when rescue crews arrived.

A spokeswoman says the 36 year-old officer died at 12:13 a.m. Saturday after surgery at MetroHealth Medical Center.

A brief ceremony was held at the Cuyahoga County Coroners Office when the body of Officer Owen arrived for examination, accompanied by members of the Cleveland Police Department. The death has been officially ruled a homicide.

Cleveland Police initially questioned 4 people.




The Owens Family has issued the following statement: “We are grieving the loss of a great husband, father, son, brother and police officer. We ask that the media respect our family’s privacy during this very difficult time. We ask that the media please refrain from calling or coming by our home. At a later time, we will share the memories that we hold dear. We will also notify the media of funeral arrangements. Keep us in your prayers.”



The Governor is offering his condolences to the family of Derek Owens.

Ted Strickland says he knows the dangers police face, having worked at the maximum security prison in Lucasville for 10 years.

Strickland urges communities to support their officers as they go about the daily task of protecting citizens.

He calls for more help from the federal government, suggesting that the COPS program be restored. It provided federal funding to cities, allowing them to hire additional police officers, but Strickland says the program was eliminated under the Bush administration.

The Governor feels America needs to refocus on violent crime. Strickland says law enforcers are overburdened with arresting, sentencing, and incarcerating people for far lesser offenses, stretching manpower and resources.

Strickland does not favor an automatic death sentence for convicted cop killers, feeling it would subvert the jury system. However, he does support capital punishment, and believes it would be appropriate in this case, if it’s what the jury decides.

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