Police Officer Injured After Shooting Suspect In Dolton; Manhunt For Second Suspect Called Off
DOLTON, Ill. (CBS) -- A police officer was injured after shooting a suspect in Dolton on Monday.
The officer was taken by ambulance to the hospital, with an injury that was not caused by gunfire. Meanwhile, a suspect remained on the loose Monday afternoon -- but police ended up calling off the search.
Dolton Mayor Riley Rogers said at a news conference that officers were called to 519 E. Sibley Blvd., near Indiana Avenue, for an armed robbery in progress at a used car dealership. The location is near the Riverdale-Dolton border.
Rogers said two suspects -- both 19 years old -- announced a robbery and took the manager's wallet and gun. When the officer saw the suspects exiting the dealership, a gun battle ensued and the officer shot one suspect in the thigh, Rogers said.
The other suspect fled the scene, Rogers said.
The officer was also injured, but not by gunfire, Rogers said. A village trustee said the officer might have dislocated a shoulder while taking cover.
The officer was a 20-year veteran of the department, officials said.
"I'm very saddened by the situation, because I could have been riding past with my kids. I could have been caught in crossfire," said witness Brittani Pace. "So yeah – deeply saddened by it."
"It seems like something always happens in this particular area," said witness Carmela Green.
Dolton police Chief Ernest Mobley described the suspect who escaped as a black male wearing khakis and a black hoodie – though he may have discarded the hoodie.
Police asked all residents to stay inside their homes until the second offender is captured.
Police also want people to use caution when going into their garages or backyards, as the search for the remaining suspect – who is believed to be armed and dangerous – continues.
As of 5 p.m., police officers from Dolton and many other southern suburbs remained at the scene, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Police helicopters were seen over the scene, and officers were seen searching bushes and backyards on the ground.
By 5:30 p.m., police concluded that the suspect had escaped the perimeter they had set up, and the search was called off, Rogers said. Sibley Boulevard had reopened, but the threat was not over.
"For a safety precaution, have someone go to your garage. If your neighbor's dog is constantly barking, dial 911 and have the authorities come out right away if that dog is constantly barking," said Dolton Trustee Andrew Holmes. "If you have to go out on the front to your car, have someone go out to the front with their cellphone in hand just in case this offender runs up on you and tries to carjack you."
Police said they do not know the name of the man they are looking for.
