Crime & Safety

Shooters Fired 'Indiscriminately' At Chicago Police Officers: Top Cop

Officers shot during "encounter" on South Side. Both in stable condition at Stroger Hospital, CPD superintendent says.

CHICAGO, IL -- A manhunt is underway for the occupants of one, possible two vehicles, who allegedly fired at two 9th Police District tactical officers Tuesday evening during an “encounter” in Chicago’s Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood. Both officers were wounded and rushed to Stroger Hospital where they are listed in serious condition. The male officers are expected to make a complete recovery, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said.

The shooting unfolded around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday near 43rd Street and Ashland Avenue, Johnson told reporters during a late evening press conference outside Stroger Hospital. Johnson said the officers were conducting a follow up investigation to another situation when one or two vehicles pulled up beside them.

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“[The occupants] started firing indiscriminately,” the police superintendent said. “The officers were able to return fire. Right now there’s an extensive manhunt going on. We will get them.”

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One officer was shot in the back. The second officer was shot in the arm and hip. Johnson added that both officers “appear to be okay at this point.”


“I spoke with both of the officers and their families,” Johnson said. “They’re in great spirits.”

Citing the preliminary investigation, Johnson said police recovered weapons and a vehicle possibly used in the attack. Police have been able to gather some “promising leads.” An AK-47 was also recovered and believed to be one of the weapons used.

“We have few persons of interest that we’re talking to,” the police superintendent said. “If they’re firing at police officers than they have no thought process of firing at people in this city.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel showed up at the hospital to speak to the wounded officers and left around 10:35 p.m., news reports said. Aldermen Ray Lopez (15th), Patrick Thompson (11th) and 19th Ward Matt O’Shea were also at the hospital speaking with the officers.

“Tonight was a frightening reminder of the dangers our dedicated officers face,” the mayor tweeted. “Thank you @Chicago_Police for putting service above self.”

Chicago Police News Affairs issued a preliminary statement, stating that detectives were interviewing three male persons of interest.

“Two weapons were also recovered on scene. The investigation is open and ongoing. Chicago Police are asking that anyone with information regarding this incident to submit it to CPDTIP.com or contact Cook County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-535-STOP (7867).”

The wounded police officers will be placed on mandatory 30 days of routine administrative duties while a comprehensive use of force investigation gets underway. The Independent Police Review Authority is conducting a full investigation with the full cooperation of the CPD.

Photo: CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson | Screenshot

Original story -- Two Chicago police officers have reportedly been shot on the South Side Tuesday evening in what is being termed as an “encounter.” Both have been transported to Stroger Hospital, CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said via Twitter.

Guglielmi said the officers are in stable condition. One officer was shot in the arm and other in the back. The officers were apparently shot from a vehicle. CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson is said to be on his way to the hospital.

The shooting unfolded around 9 p.m. in the 4300 block of South Ashland Avenue. The officers’ wounds have been initially reported to be “non-life threatening,” the Chicago Tribune reported. Police are reportedly searching for a 2004 Trailblazer with a partial plate number “R24,” UAE Incidents tweeted.

Fox 32 Chicago captured video of one of the injured officers being rushed to Stroger Hospital.

No. 9 Ashland Avenue buses are being temporarily rerouted via Ashland, 47th, Halsted, 39th, and Ashland, CTA said.


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