Officer Struck By Police Car While Chasing Gun Suspect In North Lawndale

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago Police officer was injured after being struck by a squad car during a wild chase for a gunman in the North Lawndale neighborhood Thursday afternoon.

As CBS 2's Chris Tye reported, the Chicago Police force was on edge Thursday night about the wellbeing of their colleague.

Police said the officer was struck shortly after 1 p.m. in an alley on the 1800 block of South Drake Avenue.

"Each day, we're combating violence and gun violence in the city of Chicago," said Area North Deputy Chief Ernest Cato.

He said police were monitoring a gang funeral and attempted to stop a silver-colored vehicle after a person threw a handgun out of the car window. The gun was later recovered.

"We had an officer who exited a vehicle to pursue on foot. When he entered an alley, he was struck by assisting units," Cato said.

Cato said several people were in the vehicle and fled. One officer chased them on foot, and that's when he was struck by a CPD vehicle. It was not clear whether the police vehicle was marked or not.

"What I know at this point is that they attempted to stop the vehicle, someone threw a handgun out of the vehicle. When the officers put their equipment on, the vehicle took off," Cato said.

The officer who was struck has been on the force for four and a half years. He is in serious condition and is being stabilized.

Sources told CBS 2's Charlie De Mar the officer has broken ribs and facial injuries and was evaluated for a concussion.

According to CPD, two people are in custody and there's a search for two others.

As CBS 2's Steven Graves reported, an active search was launched for the suspects who started it at all.

As of early Thursday evening, police said two suspects that are believed to have been involved in the incident that led to the officer's injuries were in custody.

Police were still searching for two other suspects Thursday night.

In:
• Lawndale
• Chicago Police Department