Traffic Stop, Chase Ends With Officer Shot
UPDATED 8:41 p.m.
CHICAGO (STMW) - Three people are in custody after allegedly trying to run over police with their vehicle during a traffic stop, then leading officials on a chase that ended Sunday night on the Stevenson Expressway after one officer was shot in the leg.
The 37-year-old officer -- a 9-year veteran of the force -- suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and is expected to fully recover from his injuries, police Supt. Jody Weis said in a statement released Sunday night.
The incident started about 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Polk Street and Francisco Avenue on the West Side when the suspects allegedly tried to use their vehicle to strike Harrison District officers approaching them during a traffic stop, according to the release.
They fled the scene, and Ogden District officers who heard the call on police radio saw the suspects' vehicle exit the expressway (I-55) at Damen Avenue, according to the release. The vehicle came to a stop after striking a police vehicle.
The officer shot was injured when gunfire erupted as officers tried to remove the suspects from the stopped vehicle, the release said. He is being treated Sunday night at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.
Independent Police Review Authority spokesman Curtis Tarver said an officer discharged a weapon and an officer was shot, in the area of the Stevenson and Damen Avenue. Carver did not know if the officer who was shot was also the one who had discharged the weapon.
Three suspects in the car were taken into custody, but were not injured in the incident, according to the release.
State Police confirmed Chicago Police responded to an incident at that location, but declined to give further details.
Wentworth Area detectives and IPRA are investigating.
