Off-duty Chicago police officer involved in shootout on South Side
CHICAGO (CBS) — An off-duty Chicago police officer, who an alderman said may have been the target of an attempted carjacking, was involved in a shootout Tuesday morning in the Morgan Park neighborhood.
Around 5:30 a.m., police said the off-duty officer was confronted by multiple gunmen in the 10800 block of South Campbell Avenue, leading to a shootout. It was not clear who fired first.
Police said the gunmen fled the scene in a dark-colored sedan, and one person was detained near the scene.
The officer was not injured and police said no other injuries were reported. The officer is a 25-year CPD veteran, a father, a husband, and a volunteer coach in the Morgan Park community.
Ald. Matt O'Shea (19th) said it appeared to be an attempted carjacking, and police were looking into whether this group may be tied to a crime spree throughout the 8th (Chicago Lawn) District. O'Shea said early reports show the same crew of suspects might be tied to other crimes in the 8th District and as far south as south suburban Lansing.
Video captured from a camera in the neighborhood recorded the sounds of gunshots, then showed a person running. Shortly thereafter, a black car drove off.
O'Shea urged neighbors near the scene of the shootout to look at their surveillance cameras, saying that information could be crucial to helping law enforcement crack this case. He also reminded the community this kind of crime can happen anywhere.
"This is just another reminder to all of us - I don't care what neighborhood you're in – be aware of your surroundings. When you walk out, particularly early in the morning, look up and down the block. See what is around you. Luckily, this incident today, this was a member of law enforcement who was prepared to be a potential victim. But this could've been a nurse headed to the hospital to work a shift. This could've been a young teenager with a summer job. And this could've been a very different outcome," he said.
The neighborhood in which the shooting took place is filled with first responders.
"You drive up and down the block, there's CPD bumper stickers, flags, signs," said neighbor Jimmy McAteer. "I mean, it's pretty common to find a police officer on the block."
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating. The officer involved will be placed on routine administrative duties as COPA investigates.