The officer was initially in critical condition after being wounded to the right elbow and lower back, police said. On Thursday, the Cook County Sheriff's Department said that officer is in stable condition.
[Ads /]
Authorities said the deputy was hit by stray bullets while in traffic in the 4700-block of West 47th Street near Midway Airport at about 8:52 p.m. Sources tell ABC7 the 37-year-old off-duty officer was not the intended target.
The officer was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital. Police said he was caught in the crossfire of two vehicles exchanging gunfire while driving north on Cicero Avenue.
Neighbors heard the gunfire when it broke out.
"Just gunshots going off," Veronica Carapia said. "Next thing you know, my son looks out the window and he says 'Oh, it's a car crash, you know.' Me and my neighbors came running out to see because it is very rare that happens and everything and was just in shock."
"I heard the shots, and then, when I heard the shots, I heard a scream," said Blanche Washington. "When I heard the scream, I heard a car door. That might have been the crash, and I heard it, like, 'Boom!' and then tires screeching."
[Ads /]
Some residents are on-edge after the shooting.
"I seen the officer, the sheriff that was on the ground, and a young lady was holding his head up, but the ambulance came pretty fast and picked him up," said Michael McKenney.
The shooting also resulted in multiple crashes. Police said one of the offending vehicles hit another vehicle traveling southbound, lost control and then struck the wall of a business.
A suspect ran and was arrested after a short foot chase. Police said that person is in good condition and there are no reports of any other injuries.
[Ads /]
Meanwhile, the other vehicle got away. Area One detectives are investigating.
"Nothing happened over here with us and the family and everything but kids can't come out and play no more because of it," Carapia said. "Kids go in go out, and got to keep an eye on them now."
Community activists held a prayer on Thursday. They came together to say, "enough is enough."
"Shooting a Cook County sheriff is not acceptable, whether he's on duty or off duty. We should be able to walk the streets in peace and safety," said Bill Morton.
The group of activists is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved.
There are police pod cameras at the intersection, along with a red light camera.
That may help police track down the vehicle that got away. The Chicago Police Department is handling the investigation.
INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood