In a recent incident, Illinois State Police Trooper Dakotah Chapman-Green survived being shot multiple times by 37-year-old suspect Cristobal Santana. Santana now faces multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm to a police officer, according to the Illinois State Police.
The incident occurred during a traffic stop on October 24. Santana allegedly greeted Chapman-Green with a hail of bullets, hitting the officer at least ten times and causing severe injuries such as facial fractures, a skull fracture, and a brain bleed, as reported by Illinois State Police. Santana initially escaped the scene but was captured hours later with injuries sustained during the encounter.
ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly both recognized the heartbreaking nature of this event, and celebrated law enforcement officers who willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect society. Kelly stated, "By the grace of God, Trooper Chapman-Green survived this brutal attack ... We live in a free country, but there is no freedom without the law, there is no law without law enforcement, and there is no law enforcement without brave souls like Trooper Chapman-Green and those standing here with me today willing to do this noble, but dangerous work.'”
As the investigation unfolds, important details are shared in the distributed video of the traffic stop.
Public support for Trooper Chapman-Green and his family is welcome, with donations being accepted through the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation, more details of which are available on their website.
