Woman charged in death of off-duty Cleveland police officer following 'ambush'

CLEVELAND (TCD) -- A woman was arrested and charged in connection to the death of a young off-duty officer who was fatally shot during a carjacking.

Cleveland Police announced Jan. 1 that the night prior at approximately 6 p.m., the 25-year-old off-duty officer identified as Shane Bartek was involved in an "aggravated robbery motor vehicle incident" at 4320 Rocky River Drive. Bartek was reportedly in an apartment building’s parking lot when he was approached by the suspect, who had a gun. Cleveland Police said a "struggle ensued and the victim was shot twice by the subject."

According to court records cited by Cleveland.com, the suspect Tamara McLoyd is described as having “ambushed” Bartek. She reportedly admitted in court to shooting him.

Bartek was transported to Fairview Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

According to Cleveland.com, 18-year-old McLoyd was taken into custody and charged with aggravated murder. She was reportedly out on probation following a sentencing in October, and also had several warrants out for her arrest. McLoyd’s bond is reportedly set at $5 million.

McLoyd allegedly took Bartek’s car is believed to have handed it off to Anthony Butler Jr. He allegedly got into a chase involving multiple police departments, and Cleveland.com reports the car crashed into a fence on East 260th Street and Lakeshore Boulevard. According to WKYC-TV, Butler Jr. was booked on charges of fleeing, receiving stolen property, and other traffic-related charges. His bond is also set at $5 million.

Bartek had reportedly been with the department for about two years.

MORE: