COPA investigating after CPD officer fatally shoots person in Lawndale
CHICAGO (CBS) – An investigation is underway after a person was shot by a Chicago police officer in the Lawndale neighborhood Saturday morning. Police now confirm that the person later died at a local hospital.
The shooting happened around 10 a.m., in the 3800 block of West Flournoy Street. According to CPD, officers were in the area as a result of a gang killing about a week earlier. They were involved in a "de-escalation mission" when officers observed several individuals near a vehicle. The victim, an male whose age has not been released, was seen leaning into the vehicle.
The person looked at the officers, put his hand in his waistband, and then ran into a gangway, police said. Officers then began a pursuit, and the person turned toward them and brandished a gun.
That is when an officer shot the person.
Officers then rendered aid to the person, who was transported to a hospital in critical condition and later died, police said.
According to authorities, no officers were hurt, but one officer was hospitalized for observation.
A firearm was recovered on the scene.
After the shooting, some people said the man had a concealed carry permit, something police would not discuss.
There was anger from bystanders--and questions about whether police were allowed to chase a man for owning a gun. People in the neighborhood say the man was heading to a funeral.
The specifics of this incident, including the comprehensive use of force investigation, are being investigated by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability with the full cooperation of the Chicago Police Department.
Portions of the incident were captured on body worn cameras, COPA confirmed in a statement Saturday. More information will be released within the next 48 hours, the statement said.
The officer(s) involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a period of 30 days.
