Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 4, 1938
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 967
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 7, 1931
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Executed in 1932
Patrolman John Cleary succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained seven years earlier when he and his partner, Patrolman James Ryan, attempted to apprehend several robbery suspects on West 25th Street in Cleveland.
They had located one of the suspects in a rooming house at 1714 W 25th Street in Cleveland, and the man agreed to show them what room the others were in. When the officers went to the room, they were met by an undressed woman who refused to let them in. The officers forced entry, and Officer Ryan began searching the room.
When he opened a closet door, he was confronted by the suspect at gunpoint. Patrolman Ryan attempted to draw his weapon and was shot several times. The suspect then ran into the hallway and shot Patrolman Cleary, severing his spine. Although wounded, Patrolman Ryan was able to chase the suspect a short distance and shoot him. The suspect ran to a nearby house, where he collapsed due to a loss of blood. Other officers had followed the blood trail to the house and arrested the man.
Patrolman Ryan was transported to Fairview Hospital where he was able to identify the suspect before succumbing to his wounds. Patrolman Cleary was hospitalized and remained in a wheelchair until succumbing to his wounds seven years later.
The suspect, who was an escaped felon, was executed on April 22, 1932.
Patrolman Cleary had served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 12 years. He was survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. His youngest daughter and granddaughter served with the Cleveland Division of Police.