CPD Officers Witness West Side Shooting, Fire Shots At Gunman
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A 27-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in the Austin neighborhood late Friday morning, and Chicago police officers who saw it happen opened fire on the gunman, who was able to escape.
Chicago Police Chief of Patrol Brian McDermott said officers on the Community Safety Team saw a gunman open fire on the victim, who was driving south on the 1500 block of North Laramie Avenue.
The victim was shot multiple times in the head. Officers rendered first aid while waiting for paramedics, and the victim was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition.
McDermott said one of the officers who witnessed the shooting opened fire on the gunman in an attempt to defend the victim. The officer fired three shots, but it was not immediately clear if he hit the shooter.
"At this time, we don't believe the offender has been struck, but we don't know for sure," McDermott said.
The gunman fled west on Le Moyne Street and was not in custody Friday afternoon.
McDermott said members of the Community Safety Team and K-9 units were searching for the gunman.
Area Five detectives and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability were investigating, and the officers involved were being placed on routine 30-day leave, as is standard when officers fire their weapons.
Also From CBS Chicago:
- 'You Have the Wrong Place:' Body Camera Video Shows Moments Police Handcuff Innocent, Naked Woman During Wrong Raid
- 3 High-Ranking Fire Department Officials Ask For Demotion, Including One Who Sources Say Was Twice Denied Boarding On A Plane Because He Was Drunk
- Families Say Their Holiday Packages Are Lost In Limbo And USPS Told Them They Can't Help Now