END OF WATCH: March 22, 1996
Cuyahoga Metro Housing Authority
Police Department
Officer Derrik Lanier, an off duty police officer for the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, was working his part time job in a tavern located at 9600 Madison Avenue in Cleveland when he was shot in the back and killed on March 22, 1996.
Officer Lanier, in full uniform refused the suspect admission to the tavern earlier in the evening. The suspect returned around closing time and without warning shot Officer Lanier numerous times which included three rounds to the head. The suspect left the building reloaded and returned to fire several more rounds into Officer Lanier who was lying on the floor.
The suspect fled and was arrested later that morning with an accomplice. The weapon was also recovered.
Officer Derrik Lanier began his law enforcement career with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority in 1992 and had been recognized for his work with disadvantaged youth.
By: P.O. Tom Armelli, Cleveland Police Department
