Retired Chicago cop fatally shoots son after mistaking him for burglar, family says

(CBS/WBBM) CHICAGO - A 77-year-old retired Chicago police officer accidentally shot and killed his son early Tuesday, after mistaking him for a burglar, family members said.

Police said they found Michael Griffin, 48, dead inside his father's condo at about 12:45 a.m., according to CBS Chicago. The Cook County Medical Examiner's office said he died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Griffin was living with his father, retired Chicago Police Detective James Griffin, after losing his job and apartment, the station reports.

Michael's brother Stephen says Michael was at home Monday night with their father at their father's apartment near O'Hare International Airport, but left for a short time late Monday or early Tuesday.

"My brother was staying there, and last I heard they were watching the Jay Leno Show, and my dad fell asleep," Stephen Griffin reportedly said. "And I guess he assumed my brother was at home sleeping, and when someone came in the back door, he just naturally assumed it was an intruder."

Area North detectives were investigating the shooting, but have not announced any charges, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Stephen Griffin said his father was a cop for 42 years until he retired in 1998, CBS Chicago reports.