A shooting took place on Friday, July 24, at the North Royalton City Service Department.  The shooting occurred at about 1:25 p.m.
North Royalton Building Commissioner David A. Smerek was shot at the City’s Building Department at 11545 Royalton Road.  Smerek, 52, was a Brunswick resident.  Smerek took on the role of Building Commissioner after the retirement of Dan Kulchytsky.  The Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the North Royalton Police were on the scene to investigate.  BCI’s Crime Scene Unit was requested by the North Royalton Police Department to assist in the investigation of the shooting.
The City put out a press release at about 3:30 p.m., as follows: “The City of North Royalton is deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of one of our colleagues. Please join us in grieving for his family, coworkers and our entire community during this extremely difficult time. The City of North Royalton will provide further details as they become known and our colleague’s extended family and loved ones can be contacted.”  City Hall and the Service Building were closed to the public on Monday, July 27.  A prayer vigil was held on Monday, July 27, in memory of Smerek at St. Albert the Great parish.
The North Royalton Police Department issued a press release on Monday, July 27, stating that, “At approximately 1:22 p.m., the North Royalton Police Department Dispatch Center received 911 calls reporting shots fired at the North Royalton Service Department, located at 11545 Royalton Road.  Dispatchers were advised that the City’s Building Commissioner had been shot and the suspect remained at the scene.”  It goes on to say that the responding officers immediately located the suspect, a 69-year-old North Royalton resident, outside the building and took him into custody without incident.  Police entered the building and located Smerek “in the lobby suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  The North Royalton Fire Department responded and pronounced Mr. Smerek deceased at the scene.”  The investigation determined that the male drove to the Service Department, parked his vehicle, entered the building and shot Smerek multiple times. He then placed the firearm on the counter and exited the building, waiting outside for the police to take him into custody.  The male has been charged with first degree murder and was arraigned at Parma Municipal Court on Monday, July 27, in the court of Judge Deanna O’Donnell, who set the bond at $15 million. The case has been transferred to the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas.  At the time of this writing, it remains an active investigation.
A second press release from Mayor Paul Marnecheck stated that, “Dave always had a smile and eagerness to serve the community and his coworkers. He lit up any room, any office he walked into, instantly was transformed it into a light, jovial atmosphere. He always had a quick, funny story or insight to share, and a shoulder to lighten the load that can often come with public service. We always enjoyed his laugh. Dave would often talk and chuckle simultaneously. Dave was fun, but he deeply enjoyed his work and doing the right thing. He served as an inspector for many years in Brunswick before joining our team as a building inspector in North Royalton 13 years ago. He was promoted to Building Commissioner in 2024, and he loved every minute of that role. He was made for it. Dave always expressed professionalism and a willingness to work with residents and contractors. If you knew him, you knew he was the easiest person to work with. Our community has lost a true treasure, a faithful servant and a positive light in our world. Dave loved his work, he loved his coworkers and, most of all, he loved his family. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his wife and his children during this deeply troubling time. And our hearts are with our North Royalton community. “ He added that the City’s Safety Director will be evaluating and assessing municipal buildings.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer