Cleveland Police Detective James Skernivitz, killed in the line of duty, gunned down in the line of duty, hit by gunfire as he was sitting in his car working undercover. 53-year-old husband and father of two was a decorated officer who served the public for 25 years on the Cleveland Police Department.

By Michelle Nicks | September 5, 2020 at 4:14 AM EDT - Updated September 5 at 4:14 AM
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - A community is in mourning as Cleveland Police grieve the loss of one of their own.

Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams reflected on the life of Detective James Skernivitz.

“Jimmy was a great police officer,” Chief Williams said. “He was what we call a policemen’s policeman. He worked hard for the city he loved.”

Detective Skernivitz was gunned down in the line of duty, hit by gunfire as he was sitting in his car working undercover.

The 53-year-old husband and father of two was a decorated officer who served the public for 25 years on the Cleveland Police Department.

Chief Williams was visibly shaken as he talked about the investigation.

“Keep sending us your prayers, we appreciate it.”

Investigators are working to figure out why three suspects, including two teenagers allegedly ambushed the undercover officer.

Police sources confirm to 19 Investigates that Detective Skernivitz was wired up with a civilian passenger who was helping him with an undercover investigation.

Shots rang out around 10:00 p.m. Thursday at West 65th and Storer. The bullets penetrated the undercover vehicle Skernivitz was working in as part of the “Gang Impact Unit.”

A fellow officer who rushed to the scene made an urgent call for help, asking the dispatcher to tell the ambulance to step it up, they’re needed right now.

Detective Skernivitz died at the hospital. 19 News later learned that a civilian passenger Scott Dingess was also murdered.

The daughter of Scott Dingess cried as she approached the crime scene with her mother.

“I hope we find justice for the people who killed my dad and the police officer.”

What remains unclear is if this was a random shooting or if it was related to the undercover investigation the detective was working on.

Chief Williams said, “We’re asking for the public’s help.”