James Jackson

POLICE OFFICERS JOSEPH ILACQUA’S AND LAVERNE FIELDS'S STORY

UPDATE: Attempted cop killer Alonzo Smith died in prison on December 5, 2020. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to help ensure he fulfilled his entire sentence. Justice has been served.

Attempted cop killer Alonzo Smith died in prison on December 5, 2020. Thank you to everyone who submitted a petition to help ensure he fulfilled his entire sentence. Justice has been served.

James Jackson Case Details

On November 8, 1980 police were called to the Leader Drug Store after the store manager reported a man harassing customers and panhandling at the store. Patrolman Joseph F. Ilacqua and Patrolman Laverne Fields responded to the call. When Patrolman Ilacqua approached the suspect, who was later identified as James H. Jackson, he pulled out a gun and began shooting at Patrolman Ilacqua and Patrolman Fields. Patrolman Ilacqua, after being hit in the groin, fell to the ground. Jackson ran to the Superior Building and hid behind pillars while continuing to shoot at police. Twenty policemen responded to the scene and Jackson was finally subdued when police shot him in the chest. Fortunately, none of Jackson’s bullets hit or killed any of the responding officers. Patrolman Ilacqua survived his wounds, as did the suspect, James Jackson.

Jackson went on trial after being charged with four counts of attempted murder for shooting at police. A jury found him guilty of two counts of attempted murder for shooting at Officers Ilacqua and Fields. Common Pleas Judge Roy F. McMahon sentenced Jackson to 14 to 50 years in prison.

Ohio Parole Board records state, “He [Jackson] was last heard by the Parole Board in October 2010. At that time, he had poor institutional conduct and had been to segregation for being disrespectful and threatening toward staff.” Jackson is also a multi-state offender and has a criminal history that includes Larceny, Storehouse Break-in and Breaking and Entering.

No Parole

James H. Jackson attempted to kill two Cleveland Ohio Police Officers and opened fire on many more. By the Grace of God, no officers were killed as a result of Jackson’s actions. James Jackson has no respect for authority and his actions clearly demonstrate he has no problem shooting at police officers. Paroling James Jackson would present a serious risk to both the community and law enforcement. Based on the fact James H. Jackson attempted to kill two police officers in the line of duty, we believe James H. Jackson should serve his maximum sentence of 50 years in prison.