Officer On Administrative Leave After Firing at Fleeing Vehicle in Near North Side Traffic Stop

High-speed escape leads to crash, gunfire, person of interest in custody

Photo byScreen Capture/Youtube Video [Creator]

CHICAGO - A tense situation unfolded on Chicago’s Near North Side Sunday evening when a traffic stop involving a person with a gun call escalated into a pursuit and gunfire. Around 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the scene near the 300 block of West Division Street after receiving reports of a person with a firearm, according to Chicago police.

While attempting to stop a vehicle in connection with the call, the driver and occupants disregarded officers' commands, speeding off after crashing into a police squad car. In response, an officer discharged their weapon at the fleeing vehicle, authorities confirmed.

Despite the close encounter, no one was struck by gunfire. The vehicle was later recovered a few blocks north in the 100 block of West North Avenue. Police apprehended a person of interest at the scene, although no charges have yet been announced.

An officer was taken to a nearby hospital for observation but was not injured in the incident.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has launched an investigation into the shooting, as is standard protocol. The officer or officers involved in the incident will be placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days while the investigation is underway, Chicago police stated.