A man was shot in the arm during a shootout early Saturday morning in the Austin area of Chicago, not far from where two off-duty police officers were seated inside their vehicle. According to CBS News Chicago, the incident occurred just before 1:30 a.m. on the 1000 block of South Mayfield Avenue.
The shootout began when an unidentified individual in another car opened fire as the 26-year-old victim was exiting the vehicle, which was also occupied by the off-duty officers. The victim, who is a concealed carry holder, reported that he had been shot before he could draw his weapon. "I can't tell you how many shots, but I just heard them, pow pow pow pow pow pow pow," Pastor Ayinde Keshiro, a neighbor caught in the crossfire, told CBS News Chicago. The officers returned fire, but the shooter managed to flee the scene.
Chicago police disclosed that the victim was inadvertently shot by someone within the car he had exited. The vehicle was later stopped by Oak Park police while the injured man was being transported to the hospital. He sustained injuries that broke two bones and nicked an artery. Pastor Keshiro expressed his fortune at being alive and mentioned that the shooting would become a part of his upcoming Sunday sermon, as reported by CBS News Chicago.
Further investigation into the events that led to the man's injuries is being conducted by The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). In a statement from Chicago police detailed by WTTW News, "The specifics of this incident are under investigation at this time." The off-duty officer who discharged their firearm has been relieved of police powers during the probe. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to reach out to COPA directly.
The nature of the shooting, whether it was targeted or random, remains unclear. Neighbors recounted the harrowing ordeal, with bullet holes left in windows and vehicles, emphasizing the danger posed to the community. As of Saturday night, no suspects had been taken into custody. The wounded man, after a decade of residency, plans to move from the area, citing the traumatic impact the event has had on him and his family. For those wanting to provide tips about the shooting, information can be submitted through COPA's hotline at 312-746-3609 or via their website.
