More details are being revealed after a Chicago police officer was shot and killed Monday night while conducting a traffic stop in the East Chatham neighborhood.
The incident took place around 8 p.m. Monday in the 8000 block of South Ingleside after officers stopped a vehicle with three occupants inside, Chicago Police Supt. said Larry Snelling during a press conference early Tuesday morning. Snelling did not immediately say why officers stopped the car.
As officers approached the vehicle, one of the car’s occupants opened fire, Snelling said.
“It felt like rapid fire,” Snelling said at the news conference. “The police officer was hit several times.”
One of the car’s three occupants was also struck by gunfire multiple times, Snelling said. This person was later pronounced dead.
Snelling added that at least one of the officers returned fire at the vehicle.
According to police, the suspect who opened fire on the officer attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle, striking another officer. The suspect then attempted to flee on foot.
After a pursuit, the suspected shooter was taken into custody, Snelling said. A third occupant of the vehicle was also taken into custody, Snelling continued.
During the press conference, Snelling was asked to confirm whether or not one of the occupants of the vehicle had cut off an ankle monitor.
“I can tell you yes,” Snelling said. “It’s still under investigation. We don’t have all the details about it, but yes, we have information about what happened.”
Chicago Police Superintendent. Larry Snelling and Mayor Brandon Johnson held a late night news conference after a Chicago police officer was shot and killed during a traffic stop Monday night.
“Our officers go out and face this type of danger every day”
According to Snelling, the officer struck by gunfire was taken to a nearby hospital by other officers. He was later pronounced dead.
“Our officers go out and face this type of danger every day,” Snelling said. “And this job is unpredictable. We never know what awaits our officers when they try to keep the public safe. And remember, in a city where our officers aren’t safe, it’s going to be difficult for everyone if not to be safe.
According to Snelling, the slain officer was 26 years old and had just under three years of service. He worked in the 6th District, said NBC 5’s Lisa Chavarria, which includes the Gresham neighborhood and other surrounding communities.
“A proud person,” Snelling said. “I work very hard.”
Chavarria reported Tuesday morning that Snelling had not yet released the officer’s name, out of respect for the family.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
