Detective John Apanites, Jr.

John Apanites, Jr.

Detective John Apanites was shot and killed as he and another officer questioned two shoplifting suspects, a 27-year-old man and his 20-year-old female companion, at a local clothing store at 322 Euclid Avenue in Cleveland.

Around 7:45 p.m., as the officers waited for a patrol car to arrive, a struggle ensued between the officers and the male suspect. The suspect and the officers exchanged gunshots, and all four were wounded. The male suspect fled to a city bus, where a patrolman arrested him.

Detective Apanites died at the scene, and his partner was seriously wounded.

The female suspect pleaded guilty to shoplifting and was sentenced to 90 days and $150 fine. The male suspect, who had been arrested 32 times and was out on two separate bonds involving two different armed robberies, was sentenced to death for Detective Apanites' murder. His sentence was later commuted to life. He was denied parole in February 2016. He will be eligible for parole again on December 1, 2025.

Detective Apanites was a United States Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve veteran who served with the Cleveland Division of Police for 18 months. He had previously served with the FBI for six months and the East Cleveland Police Department. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, mother, and father, who had also served with the Cleveland Division of Police.