Man critically wounded by police in Back of the Yards

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A Chicago police officer shot a man who pointed a gun at him while investigating a call of gang activity, officials said.

The man is in critical condition.

Police were called to the 4700-block of South Ada in the Back of the Yards neighborhood for a gang disturbance around 10:50 p.m. Saturday. Deputy Chief Carlos Velez said officers saw several people, including a man with a handgun. The man, believed to be in his 20s, fled along with the rest of the group.

Officers followed, officials said.

"The officer repeatedly told him to drop his gun," Fraternal Order of Police spokesman Pat Camden said. "Instead, he turns with the gun and points it at the officer. He had no choice but to defend himself. And the officer opened fire."

The man was shot three times.

Official said a semi-automatic handgun was recovered at the scene.

The Independent Police Review Authority is investigating.