Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz was killed in the line of duty: Officer Nicholas Sabo by Suicide
Today, Mayor Frank G. Jackson, Safety Director Karrie D. Howard and Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams announce that an award of up to $35,000.00 is offered for information leading to the identity and prosecution of the person or persons involved in the murder of Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz who was killed in the line of duty along with a citizen, Scott D. Dingess on September 3, 2020.
On Thursday, September 3, 2020 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Detective James Skernivitz was shot and killed in the line of duty in the area of West 65th Street Storer Avenue. Detective Skernivitz was assigned to the Gang Impact Unit and was recently sworn in as a Violent Crimes Task Force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working on the national law enforcement initiative Operation Legend. Three persons of interest were identified early on, however charges have not been filed.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has offered up to $25,000.00 in reward monies, added to $10,000.00 in reward monies offered by Crimestoppers of Cuyahoga County. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact law enforcement. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 216-622-6842. Information can be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME
On Thursday, September 3, 2020 at approximately 10:00 p.m., Detective James Skernivitz was shot and killed in the line of duty in the area of West 65th Street Storer Avenue. A citizen was also shot and killed in this incident. Detective Skernivitz was assigned to the Gang Impact Unit and was recently sworn in as a Violent Crimes Task Force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, working on the national law enforcement initiative Operation Legend. Members of the Cleveland Division of Police Homicide Unit have identified and taken into custody three persons of interest who were arrested on unrelated charges, two juveniles and one adult. This investigation remains in its early stages and additional information may be released as it becomes available. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 216-622-6842.
Detective Skernivitz became a police officer in February of 1998 and served the division for over twenty-two years. He is survived by his wife, Kristen and children. Upon applying to become an officer, Detective Skernivitz wrote, “Being a police officer would give me the chance to work and help the public and a chance to keep the city in which I grew up safe.” He did just that every day that he reported to work. Members of the Division of Police thank the community for their prayers as we mourn the loss of our brother.
In addition to the senseless shooting death of Detective James Skernivitz, the Cleveland Division of Police lost another officer overnight to suicide. It is with great sadness that we report the death of Patrol Officer Nicholas Sabo. Patrol Officer Sabo came to the Division of Police in April of 2013 after serving as a Perry County Sheriff’s Deputy. He is survived by his wife and children.
“I want to extend my personal condolences and condolences on behalf of the City of Cleveland to the family, not only the Cleveland Police Officer who was killed in the line of duty but also to the loved ones of the officer who died by suicide last evening,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson.
“Detective Skernivitz dedicated his life to the citizens of Cleveland and made our city a safer place,” said Director of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard.
“Jimmy was a great police officer, he was what we call a “policeman’s policeman,” said Cleveland Police Chief Calvin D. Williams. “He worked hard for the city that he loved, he worked hard to take care of his family and he worked hard to take care of his fellow officers.”