The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our Fallen Officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Edward J. Claybrooks was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on Octoboer 26, 1981 and worked in the 6th District.
On the evening of December 27, 1996, Patrol Officer Edward Claybrooks was working his part-time job providing security for Romitos Pizza and Ribs. He observed a vehicle park illegally in front of the pizza shop. Officer Claybrooks approached the vehicle and advised the occupant to move.
The driver became very hostile and a violent struggle ensued. Officer Claybrooks broke away, entered the shop and called for assistance. The suspect fled east on St. Clair Avenue. in his truck. When back up officers arrived, a disheveled and out of breath Claybrooks gave them a description of the suspect. The officers left to search for the driver, but returned to the pizza shop after hearing a second call of “officer needs assistance” at the pizza shop. They found Officer Claybrooks in full cardiac arrest and being treated by fire and EMS personnel. Officer Claybrooks was taken to the hospital, but additional attempts to revive him failed. Although he was not on duty, Claybrooks was honored for dying while acting as a peace officer when a crime was committed.
Following services at the Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church on the city’s East Side, Officer Claybrooks was laid to rest in Highland Park Cemetery.
