'I've been shot several times': Police officer shot at I-55 and Cicero Ave.

ByCate Cauguiran WLS logo
Friday, September 14, 2018
'I've been shot several times': Police officer shot at I-55 and Cicero Ave.
A Cicero police officer was shot Thursday evening near the Cicero Avenue exit of I-55, investigators say.

CICERO, Ill. (WLS) -- A Cicero police officer was shot Thursday evening near the Cicero Avenue exit of I-55, investigators say.

Due to the ongoing investigation Cicero Avenue is closed between 39 Street/Pershing Road to 47th Street. The ramps to and from Cicero Avenue and I-55 are also closed.

"Cicero getting off I-55, I've been shot, I've been shot several times," Officer Luis Duarte said over the radio, calling in his own injury Thursday evening.

Cicero police say he was part of an attempted traffic stop on the Stevenson that led to a shooting.

Officers were trying to pull over a car with California plates that had been reported stolen, according to investigators.

"The vehicle refused to stop, our officers were able to box the vehicle in right at the entrance ramp at I-55 and Cicero Avenue where the subject immediately exited his vehicle and began shooting multiple rounds at our officers," said Cicero Police Department Supt. Jerry Chlada, Jr.

Officials say Duarte, 31, was shot four times, in his leg, stomach and twice in the arm.

Cicero police say after Duarte was shot the suspect ran away and started shooting at another officer that tried to chase him.

"We were luckily (sic) enough to have a citizen on the street who's a concealed carry holder and he also engaged in gun fire with this offender who was struck one time and was taken to Cook County Hospital," Supt. Chlada said.

This happened just after 5 p.m. near Cicero and the Stevenson at the height of rush hour.

Chicago police and the Illinois State Police all assisted with the response and now are taking over part of the investigation.

"Chicago police are handling the criminal aspect of these investigation. Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is handling the officer involved shooting," said Chicago Police Department Sgt. Rocco Alioto.

The Chicago Police Department is handling the criminal investigation, and the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Office will handle the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident.

Cicero officials say Duarte has been on the force for four years. Last we heard he was in surgery at Mt Sinai Hospital.

The suspect is in serious condition.

No other injuries have been reported.

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