A Chicago Police officer was injured during a confrontation with a motorist who attempted to flee a traffic stop in the West Garfield Park neighborhood this past Saturday evening. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the incident took place around 6:40 p.m. when the driver of a car, reported to have been driving erratically, was pulled over on the 4700 block of West Madison Avenue. In a frenzied effort to escape, the driver struck and dragged a police officer, causing the officer's weapon to discharge as they fell to the ground.
The violent encounter resulted in the officer being taken to the hospital and is listed in good condition. The suspect subsequently fled the scene, abandoning the vehicle in the 4500 block of West Adams Avenue. A person of interest has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The ABC7 Chicago report adds that an officer-involved shooting is now under investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), prompted by the unintended discharge during the officer's fall.
Details about the nature of the injuries sustained by the officer, or the identity and charges against the person in custody, have not been released as of yet. Both the Chicago Police Department's investigative response team and COPA are continuing their inquiries to determine the full scope of the events that led to this dangerous altercation. Police presence in West Garfield Park has been heightened as the investigation proceeds.
