Chicago witnessed a serious altercation late Thursday night, leading to both a suspect and an officer being shot. According to a preliminary statement released by the Chicago Police Department, the incident occurred in the alley of the 4300 block of W. North Avenue at about 10:37 p.m.
Tactical officers from the 25th District were on patrol when they sought to stop a male suspect. The man attempted to escape on foot, leading the officers on a chase that ended in a backyard struggle. During the confrontation, a weapon discharged by the suspect hit one of the officers. In response, an officer fired his weapon, striking the suspect, who was later pronounced dead at Mt. Sinai Hospital. A firearm was recovered at the scene, the police reported.
The injured officer was transported to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. The officer is reported to be in serious, but stable condition. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has been notified of the incident, indicating further scrutiny into the officers' use of force will ensue. The Chicago Police Department's Investigative Response Team is currently investigating the exact circumstances of the incident.
Details of the investigation remain limited as the inquiry is ongoing. However, community concern is expected to rise, as police-involved shootings, especially those that lead to fatalities, often do. The department is urging anyone with information to contact the Civilian Office of Police Accountability at (312) 746-3609.
