The Cleveland Police Museum is honored to tell the stories of our fallen officers on the anniversary of their End of Watch.
Leroy Jones was appointed to the Cleveland Police Department on August 16, 1946 and assigned to the 3rd District. He served four years in the Marine Corps before joining the force, was an expert rifleman and highly respected in the department. Lieut. Frank Stimson remembered how Lieut. Jones “studied like hell for those (promotional) examinations.” Lieut. Stimson said that Lieut. Jones had scored the highest for the sergeant exams and when he went for lieutenant, all the men said it was Jones they had to beat.
During the Glenville Shootout on July 23, 1968, black nationalists led by Fred (Ahmed) Evans ambushed police officers, killing three and wounding thirteen in a little over two hours. Lieutenant Leroy Jones entered the area on foot and was felled by heavy gunfire. Patrolman Angelo SantaMaria and civilian James E. Chapman unsuccessfully attempted to rescue Jones.
Lieutenant Jones died of multiple gunshot wounds at Mt. Sinai Hospital about 10:00 p.m.
Lieutenant Leroy Jones, 47 was survived by his wife, Albine, and two daughters, Dana Lee Ita, 21, and Rhea, 17. Services were held at the Thomas Funeral Home on Miles Avenue and he was buried in Calvary Cemetery.