A Chicago police officer's weapon turned up in an unexpected place last Thursday morning, triggering concerns about firearm security and protocol within the police department. The gun was discovered unattended in a women's bathroom on the sixth floor of the George N. Leighton Criminal Courthouse, as confirmed by the Cook County sheriff’s office. Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Cook County deputies secured the firearm around 10 a.m. at the courthouse located at West 26th Street and South California Avenue.
After taking possession of the forgotten weapon, sheriff's deputies were able to quickly determine that it belonged to a Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer who was still inside the building. The CPD has since taken action to fully investigate the situation. "The Chicago Police Department launched an internal investigation into the incident," detailed a statement obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Officials from the sheriff's office returned the firearm to the CPD officer, whose identity has not been disclosed. Information surrounding the circumstances of how the gun was left behind has not been released.
Further details are scarce as the Chicago Police Department has not shared any additional insights into the ongoing internal investigation. "The Chicago Police Department confirmed to ABC7 that they have launched an internal investigation into the incident," according to a report by ABC7 Chicago. Authorities have not currently released any speculation on potential disciplinary actions that might be taken against the officer in question.
