Detective John Apanites, Jr.

John Apanites, Jr.

Detective John Apanites was shot and killed as he and another officer questioned two shoplifting suspects at a local clothing store. As the officers waited for a patrol car to arrive a struggle ensued between the officers and the male suspect. The suspect and the officers exchanged gunshots and all three were wounded. The suspect fled to a city bus where he was arrested by a patrolman.

Detective Apanites died at the scene and his partner was seriously wounded.

The suspect was sentenced to death for Detective Apanites' murder. His sentence was later commuted to life. He has a parole hearing in February, 2016.

Detective Apanites was a US Marine Corps veteran. He had served with the Cleveland Police Department for 18 months and had previously served with the FBI for six months. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and father.