A Cook County judge on Monday handed a 35-year prison term to Jovan McPherson, who pleaded guilty to attempted murder for shooting a Chicago police officer in the face during an October 2021 confrontation at a Lincoln Park strip mall. Prosecutors say the officer suffered a through-and-through wound to the cheek and has since recovered from his injuries. Under the sentence, McPherson must serve 85 percent of the term.
Sentence and plea
Judge Michael Hood imposed the 35-year sentence after McPherson entered his guilty plea on Monday, according to CWB Chicago. The outlet reports that Hood ordered McPherson to serve 85 percent of his time. Prosecutors told the court that McPherson admitted firing the gun but claimed officers shot at him first.
What happened
According to a Chicago Police Department news release, officers arrested McPherson on Oct. 18, 2021, in the 1000 block of West North Avenue and charged him with attempted murder and related counts. The release links those charges to the alleged kidnapping and unlawful restraint of a 21-year-old woman that occurred immediately before shots were fired.
Body-cam footage and injury
Body-worn camera video captured McPherson telling an officer, "You will die" as a struggle over a handgun unfolded, and prosecutors say two shots were fired, with one striking the officer in the cheek and causing a through-and-through wound, according to CBS Chicago. CBS Chicago also reported that the woman sought help inside an Ulta Beauty at the North & Sheffield Commons shopping center before employees called 911. The wounded officer was treated at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and later released.
Record and probation
Prosecutors told the court that McPherson was on probation in Kane County at the time of the shooting for felony aggravated fleeing and eluding and felony possession of a controlled substance, and court records show juvenile adjudications for armed robbery and aggravated battery in 2012, 2013, and 2015, according to CWB Chicago. The outlet reports that Judge Hood referenced that history during sentencing. Defense lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reaction and context
Ald. Brian Hopkins called the shooting life-altering and urged residents to reflect on the risks officers face, while Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said the officer was home resting with family, CBS Chicago reported. Neighbors who heard the gunfire described being frightened that afternoon and said they were relieved the officer survived. The conviction closes a years-old case dating to October 2021 for prosecutors and the Near North community.
