The source told ABC7 that several of those being questioned in the case are police officers by virtue of the fact that Blake was a 15-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. The 45-year-old was found shot to death in his car in the 2900-block of West Seipp Street on the city's Southwest Side Monday night. His identity was released Tuesday after his family was informed of his death.
Police have not identified a suspect, according to the source. The officer's wallet and gun were reportedly found in the car so robbery is not believed to be a motive. Detectives hope surveillance video from the area near the crime scene will help with the investigation. The source confirms there was no sign of struggle inside the officer's vehicle and nothing to suggest he may have feared the person who killed him.
Police brass have not said much about the case except that Blake served on the SWAT team and received numerous awards for his distinguished service. As a SWAT team member, he had training in weapons, tactics and even hand-to-hand combat. SWAT officers go in first and diffuse the most dangerous situations.
Wednesday afternoon, Blake's colleagues in crime-fighting and on the football field gathered to share their thoughts.
"Our job in this is inherently dangerous. Dave was a constant professional. He did his job very well," SWAT Lieutenant Mark Marianovich said. "He excelled as a SWAT operator and he excelled as an individual."
"We are just doing our best to help each other," Norell Liboy, Officer Blake's SWAT partner, said. "He was very dedicated, very passionate."
Blake earned 84 awards during his career on the Chicago police force. Colleagues say he did his work quietly yet purposefully.
"He wanted to be almost an expert at every aspect, every job that we do on the SWAT team," said Liboy.
For the past five years, Blake played on the police department's Chicago Enforcers football squad.
"He did some great things for us on the field and more importantly because our organization is a charitable one we contributed," said Greg Zaragoza, Chicago police officer, football coach.
"Dave was a very unassuming guy. Very quiet. He loved being a part of the team and loved being part of the police department," said Timothy Kusinski, Chicago police officer, football assistant coach.
Anyone with information in the murder of Officer Blake is asked to call officials at Area 1 at (312) 747-8380.
