Early Monday morning in Chicago's 11th District, police were involved in a shooting after a traffic stop led to a tense confrontation. According to the Chicago Police Department's Preliminary Statement, officers pulled over a vehicle around 12:38 a.m. on the 4700 block of W. Fifth after spotting a firearm on the suspect's lap.
The situation escalated, calling for additional officers at the scene. During the engagement, "one officer discharged his firearm," the report details. Neither the suspect nor the officers were hit by gunfire during the incident; however, both officers were transported to a local hospital for observation following the event. The suspect, who sustained minor injuries from broken glass, was treated by the Chicago Fire Department and then taken into custody with a firearm recovered at the scene.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is actively investigating this case, which digs into the broad protocol and chain of events that led to the officer firing their weapon. They are undertaking a "comprehensive use of force investigation," a critical process that holds the accountability of police actions in high esteem.
As procedure demands, the involved officers will temporarily step back from field duties, undertaking "routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days," pending the outcome of the inquiry. Additional updates and clarifications on this developing story will be made available by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. They can be directed to their office at (312) 746-3609.
