Slain Off-Duty Officer Likely Knew His Killer
Updated: 11/23/10 9:54 p.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) - Chicago police are searching for the killer of one of their own. A veteran SWAT team officer was found murdered inside his SUV Monday night.
The slain off-duty officer has been identified as 45-year-old David Blake, according to a release from the police department.
The shooting happened in the quiet Wrightwood neighborhood on the Southwest Side at around 6:30 p.m. Monday, in the 2900 block of West Seipp Street.
Police sources say it appears Blake knew his killer. He still had his gun and his wallet -- so robbery is not the likely motive. He also had a cigarette between his lips. And the windows on the SUV were rolled up.
Sources say the officer had been shot several times in the head. A Tuesday autopsy found he died of multiple gunshot wounds, and his death was ruled a homicide.
Chicago police officers overnight stood at attention in honor of their colleague, whose body was still in his SUV, where he had been shot to death.
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Witness Theodore Browning, who also happens to be a police officer, was in his home.
"I heard several gunshots, five approximately. Looked outside the window, saw the potential offender running from the scene of the crime," said Browning. "He had on a black jacket and a black skull cap, and I gave all that information to the investigating units."
Daisy Holland was Blake's neighbor in the Beverly neighborhood, where the officer grew up and still lived.
"It's shocking. Yes, it's shocking. To me, he was a nice young man, you know what I'm saying," said Holland.
Blake's next door neighbors, who did not want to appear on camera, said he kept to himself, was introverted, and that he lived in the house once owned by his parents who had been very strict.
Officer Blake was a member of the police department's SWAT team, and was described as dedicated and hardworking. He joined the department in 1995, and received 84 awards during the course of his 15-year career.
"We've done this too many times this year, and it is with a great deal of sadness that once again I stand before you announcing the death of a Chicago police officer," said Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis.
"It's very said," said Browning. "Any time we lose someone like that, it's very heart-wrenching."
In his personal time, Officer Blake played four seasons as a member of the Chicago Police Enforcers football team, which competes with other teams across the country raising money for a number of charities, according to a department release.
Former neighbor Rodney Washington was shocked to hear of Blake's murder.
"He was a good man. He always looked after me," said Washington. "He was a great man. He did not have any enemies. It made me worry about my dad because he's a police officer."
Blake's parents died a few years ago, and he lived alone.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Area 1 at (312) 747-8380.
CBS 2's Jim Williams and Kristyn Hartman contributed to this report.
