Ohio cop dies of heart ailment after chase

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (AP) — The coroner’s office lists a “cardiac incident” as the tentative cause of death for a Cleveland area police officer who collapsed while running after a suspect.

Thirty-year-old Thomas Patton II was rushed Saturday night to a hospital, where he died. He was the son of state Sen. Thomas Patton and had served on the Cleveland Heights police force for seven years.

Police Chief Martin Lentz says several officers were chasing a person on foot around 8:45 p.m. Saturday when Patton stopped suddenly and doubled over, then began running again before collapsing.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Edward Kelley says Officer Patton died a hero.

Funeral home calling hours are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with a funeral Mass set for Thursday morning.