Cleveland police have charged 49-year-old Sterling Pettway with murder following the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Deonte Alexander on Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Cleveland Division of Police, officers responded just after 1 p.m. to a 911 call reporting “unknown trouble” near W. 73rd Street and Clark Avenue. Upon arrival, they found Alexander suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel rendered aid, but Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities reported that the suspect fled on foot but was later located nearby. During the encounter, officers ordered the armed suspect to surrender. In the process, a Cleveland police officer discharged their service weapon, striking Pettway. He was transported to a hospital in stable condition, later released, and booked into the Cuyahoga County Jail.

Pettway now faces charges of murder and felonious assault on a police officer. The officer involved in the shooting was unharmed and has been placed on paid administrative leave in accordance with standard procedure.

The Cleveland Police Force Investigation Team is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.

Family, friends, and the local community are mourning the loss of Deonte Alexander, who was killed in a violent encounter that escalated into a fatal altercation. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

This case highlights the dangers police officers face during armed confrontations and the ongoing impact of gun violence in Cleveland neighborhoods.