CPD reports Chicago police officer fatally shot in Chatham incident; suspects apprehended

CHICAGO (WLS) — Several suspects are in custody after a Chicago police officer was killed in a shooting in the Chatham neighborhood Thursday night, CPD said.

Police said officers assigned to the 6th District Tactical Team were on patrol when they attempted to make a stop on a male suspect at about 9:50 p.n. in the 8200-block of South Drexel Avenue.

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As officers approached, police said the suspect fled on foot into a nearby building.

As officers pursued, they were confronted by another suspect who was armed with a rifle, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said.

During the encounter, police said an officer fired his weapon and at some point the 6th District officer was shot.

A 36-year-old female officer was shot and was taken to the University of Chicago hospital in a squad car, officials told ABC7. She later died due to her injuries, Snelling said.

The officer was with the department for four years at the 6th District and was a mother, to a young daughter Snelling said.

“She lost her life tragically doing the job that she loved and that was one of the things that her mother said, she loved her job and the way that she worked, it was evident that she did love her job and she wanted to make Chicago a better place. She wanted to make it safer.”

Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Superintendent Snelling at the press conference said the entire city is mourning the loss of this officer.

“This young woman served honorably and courageously. I am calling on the entire city of Chicago to keep this officer’s family in your prayers along with our entire police department,” Mayor Johnson said. “Her young, energetic bold approach toward keeping us safe is the memory that we will honor.”

Early Friday morning, a massive and somber Chicago police procession transported the fallen officer from the hospital where she was taken after she was shot to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Officers could also be seen comforting one another during this very difficult time.

Snelling also says the department has to be strong for the fallen officer’s family, while these officers continue to patrol the streets.

Another officer suffered a wrist injury and was transported to the hospital in fair condition.

Multiple people were taken into custody after the shooting, Snelling said. Charges are pending as police investigate.

Three firearms were located on the scene, police said, COPA has been notified of the shooting, police said.

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