Mentor police officer killed by hit-skip driver in early a.m. June 24

Police in Mentor are asking the public’s assistance in locating a hit-and-run driver involved in a crash on state Route 2 early in the morning of June 24 that claimed the life of a Mentor police officer.

According to a 6:19 a.m. news release June 24, the unidentified officer was hit about 1 a.m. while assisting with a traffic stop on the eastbound side of Roue 2 and was taken from the scene to TriPoint Medical Center in Concord Township, where he was pronounced dead, the Mentor news release states.

“The suspect vehicle is described as a late-model, dark-colored Jeep Wrangler which will have sustained damage to its right front and possibly right side,” the release reads. “The Mentor Police Department is actively pursuing all information leading to the whereabouts of the hit-and-run driver. The public is encouraged to assist in any way possible to help identify the vehicle and driver.”

Police and city officials are also asking area body shops to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

The release advises anyone with information relative to the crash, the vehicle and/or driver involved to contact Mentor police at 440-205-3293.

The city’s news release states there is no further information about the incident immediately available.