CINCINNATI – The City of Cincinnati announced the passing of veteran Cincinnati Police Officer Sonny Kim who was shot and killed in an exchange of gunfire with a suspect this morning.
The shooting happened at about 9 a.m. near Whetsel Avenue and Roe Street in Madisonville. Police and probation officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of a person with a gun who was acting erratically on Whetsel Avenue. Shortly thereafter multiple shots were fired.Both Officer Kim and the suspect were shot and transported to University of Cincinnati medical Center. Officer Kim passed away at the hospital. The victim remained in critical condition as of Friday morning.
“Today is a tragic day for all Cincinnatians. One of our first responders was shot and killed in the line of duty. We will always remember the sacrifice made by Officer Sonny Kim, and we will pray for his wife and family that they find some comfort during their grief,” said Mayor John Cranley.
Chief Jeffrey Blackwell said, “The Cincinnati Police Department family is devastated by the tragic loss of our brother, Officer Sonny Kim. Please keep his family in your prayers as we struggle to overcome our grief.”
“On behalf of the entire City of Cincinnati workforce, we offer our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Officer Kim. He was a public servant who tragically has paid the ultimate price keeping us safe. We will do everything we can to provide support and prayers to Officer Kim’s family, and the entire Cincinnati Police Department family, during this terrible time,” said City Manager Harry Black.
The incident remains under investigation. Additional information about the tragic incident will be shared as it becomes available.
About Cincinnati Police Officer Sonny Kim
Officer Kim, age 48, grew up in Chicago and moved to the Cincinnati area in 1986 to attend classes at the University of Cincinnati. He was appointed as a Recruit of the Cincinnati Police Department and assigned to the Police Academy in December 1987.
Officer Kim was promoted to the rank of Police Officer in May 1988 after graduating from the Academy. After graduation he was assigned to District 4 and was transferred to District 2 in 1989. He had worked in District 2 for the past 26 years.
Officer Kim received 22 commendations during his exemplary career, most recently receiving the Department Award for Exemplary Conduct Award and the Safe Driving Award in 2013.
Below is his full list of commendations:
1989: “Commended for self generated initiative and aggressive patrol techniques.” Lt. Anomann
10/8/89: “Commend you for your rapid response and professional action, in which you were able to apprehend a stabbing suspect with weapon in hand.” From William Miller
3/15/90: “Commended for dedication and initiative which resulted in not one but 15 aggravated burglary offenses being closed.” Chief Whalen
2/5/93: “Thank you very much for your prompt attention regarding the theft of my car.” From William H. Grote
9/6/93: “Commended for his dedication to duty and hard work as a member of the CART team.” From Michael C. Snowden, Police Chief
7/13/94: “Commended for peacefully negotiating with a man who barricaded himself in building on Montgomery Road.” From Lt. Col. Bruce Knox, Patrol Bureau Commander
1/12/95: “Thanks for display and dedication, and no sick time in devotion to serving the public.”
6/16/95: “Official Commedation and thanks for efforts in fifteen hour search for escaped felons Elam and Michaels on 6/9/95.” From Lt. Colonel Bruce H. Knox
7/10/95: “Thanks for courteous and professional assistance locating elderly mother.” From Barbara Homlar (11 Weebetook Lane)
1/10/96: “Commendation for unselfish and dedicated service during the January 1996 blizzard.” From Capt. Daniel J. McDonald
1/22/96: “Commendations for your dedication and determination to duty which assisted us brining an investigation to a successful conclusion.” From Daniel J. McDonald – D-2 Com.
11/4/96: “Thanks for privilege of participating in the Civilian Ride Program.” From Rory d’Eon
10/9/96: “Commendations for receiving the Top Gun Award.” From Sgt. Douglas C. Ventre
8/11/97: “Chief’s commendation for keen observations and professionalism in taking charge of a potentially fatal/suicidal situation.” From Michael C. Snowden, Police Chief
10/31/97: “Commendation for assistance in locating a wanted person who had eluded police officers. The teamwork and diligence are in the highest traditions of the CPD.” From Captain James T. Smith
4/21/98: “Thank you for your assistance for finding and returning her item. She is forever grateful.” From Mrs. David W. Ellis
12/19/03: “Commended for the entertaining and enjoyable ride along in District 3.” From Laura Chapman (NKU student)
2/24/04: “Thanks for your help when my batter died on Eric near District 2.” From Louise Watts
9/16/05: “Thank you for your assistance with evaluating the damage to my car.” From Sheral Foster
9/12/05: “Thanks and commendation for the immediate action and resourcefulness you displayed during the rescue of a man who jumped from I-275 bridge.” From Lt. Colonel Richard L. Junke, Police Chief (Acting)
9/16/05: Commendation from Sheral Foster
9/30/05: Commendation from Lt. Col. Janke
5/11/12: “Thank you for being a presenter at the Community Relations Service training.” Daedra Anita McGhee
5/15/12: “Thank you for your personal and professional insights and perspectives that you offered.” From US Dept of Justice Daedra Anita McGhee
8/25/13: Awarded the Safe Driving Award for demonstrating safe driving habits for the previous 36 months by Sgt. Hank Ward
8/25/13: Department Award for Exemplary Conduct by Sgt. Hank Ward
Comments have been turned off for this story
As our community copes with the loss of Sonny Kim we want to ensure that parents and adults have information about how to support our youth. We want to keep in mind that children and adults respond differently to loss. If you have any concerns about your child’s response please see the resources at the end of this document. (