COPA releases video from GameStop smash-and-grab burglary that led to shots fired by police
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has released video footage of a smash-and-grab burglary at a GameStop store in the Irving Park neighborhood last month that led to a Chicago police officer firing shots at the suspects.
Around 4:30 a.m. on Aug. 7, several people broke into the GameStop in the 2900 block of West Addison Street, after a red car had rammed into the front of the store.
As officers arrived on the scene, body camera and dashboard camera video released by COPA on Tuesday shows five suspects were loading stolen merchandise into a red Jeep and a white sedan.
Video shows at least three people jumping into the back of the red Jeep before it speeds away. Two of those people jumped in through the rear cargo hatch, which was filled with boxes, one of which fell out as the Jeep fled the scene.
Officers can be heard shouting "stop the car" as the white sedan also speeds away from the scene, striking an officer in the process. At least one gunshot is heard being fired before officers get in their cars and briefly give chase before returning to the GameStop.
No one was struck by gunfire during the incident.
Police have said officers chased the suspects on Addison Street. Packages of merchandise fell out of the open trunk and left an obvious trail, until the officers' vehicle was struck by a different civilian car. No one was injured in that crash, and no one was taken into custody.
The officer who was hit by a car was treated for minor injuries. Police have said the injured officer was the one who opened fire on the suspects, and he was placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days as COPA investigates.
COPA said the investigation into the officer's use of force remains open. Anyone with information or video footage of the incident is asked to contact COPA at 312-746-3609 or by visiting chicagocopa.org.