On February 29, 2008, Patrol Officer Derek Owens was shot in the line of duty while investigating complaints of neighborhood quality of life issues of loitering, illicit alcohol & drug consumption & sales on vacant properties in his patrol area. He died of injuries the next day, March 1.
Police Officers and citizens from the 4th Neighborhood Police District – in partnership with the Saint Luke’s Foundation, Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation, the Cleveland Police Foundation and others, with the support of Councilman Kenneth Johnson – plan to honor PO Owens’ memory and all officers who died in the line of duty with the creation of the Derek Owens Memorial Park. The park will be created on the three city lots that contain the site where Owens was shot.
The park will benefit the community by providing a safe playspace for kids and adding to the community greenspace. Multiple uses are under consideration, such as a reading/gathering area, a labyrinth, beautiful plantings and more. Plans are for the park to be completed by the end of 2018.