Tragedy struck in Chicago's 5700 block of N. Washtenaw Ave late Tuesday evening when police officers shot and killed an individual during an investigation of a stolen vehicle. According to a preliminary statement by the Chicago Police Department, tactical officers from the 20th District encountered two males and a female arriving in a dark sedan next to the stolen, unoccupied car at approximately 10:25 p.m.
As officers approached to investigate, one male fled, and the other male involved returned to the driver's side of the sedan. Officers directed the driver to exit the vehicle, but he refused, leading to a struggle. In the ensuing incident, an officer was dragged as the driver accelerated. "The officer discharged their duty weapon once, striking the offender, at which time the vehicle collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle," the statement detailed. Both the officer and the male driver sustained injuries during the altercation.
The shot male driver was later pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Hospital. The female passenger was detained without injury, and two firearms were recovered from the scene. The officer involved received treatment for minor injuries by the Chicago Fire Department and was transported to a local hospital.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is currently investigating the case, with the cooperation of the Chicago Police Department. The specifics of this incident, including the comprehensive use of force investigation, are being investigated, the statement further reads. During the investigation, the officer who fired the shot has been assigned to administrative duties for a period of at least 30 days. The case is ongoing, and more details are expected as the investigation unfolds.
