Firefighter struck and killed; suspect in custody

A Cleveland CLEVELAND — firefighter was struck and killed while assisting in a vehicle accident on I-90 East on Saturday, and a suspect is now in police custody.

According to a news release from the Bratenahl Police Department, the fatal accident occurred on Saturday around 8:15 p.m. as members of Engine 22 were responding to a roll over crash near an I-90 exit. After hitting the firefighter, the driver of the vehicle fled the scene.

Johnny Tetrick, who served with the Cleveland Division of Fire for over 27 years, was taken to the hospital and according to reports, was alive during transport, but later died. He is survived by his family, including three children.

Cleveland Police located the suspect vehicle — a white Chevy Malibu with front end damage — at 12:20 a.m. Sunday. The suspect was taken into custody by Bratenahl police in connection with aggravated vehicular homicide and failure to stop after an accident on public roads or highways.

“We want to express our deepest condolences to our brothers in the Cleveland Fire Department,” Bratenahl Village Police said in a statement.

Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb also issued a statement regarding Tetrick’s death saying, “I am saddened to learn of the death of Cleveland firefighter Johnny Tetrick and extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters. Firefighter Tetrick was devoted to his work as a first responder and was a muchloved member of his family and his community. Our prayers go out to his entire family as the city mourns the loss of a colleague and a dedicated public servant.”

The investigation is ongoing by the Eastside Department Group of Enforcement, Accident Investigation Unit and the Cleveland Police Department AIU. Cleveland flags have been lowered to half-staff.