Chicago man charged with shooting, killing Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso pleads not guilty

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The man accused in the murder of Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday.

Prosecutors said Steven Montano, 18, shot and killed 32-year-old Chicago Police Officer Andres Vazquez Lasso after police responded to a domestic disturbance in Gage Park on March 1.

The video featured is from a previous report.

Chicago police funeral: Fallen Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso mourned at St. Rita of Cascia

Authorities said Montano ran away from police. Officer Vasquez-Lasso chased after him, unto the grounds of nearby Sawyer Elementary School near 52nd Street and Spaulding Avenue with children playing on the playground. That's when prosecutors say the two exchanged gunfire.

Prosecutors said Montano was able to shoot five shots, hitting the officer three times while Vasquez-Lasso fired twice, critically injuring the suspect.

Montano was in court Wednesday morning. The judge allowed the suspect's five family members to give him a hug.

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Montano's father spoke to his son in Spanish and would not let go of his son - even after repeatedly being asked to by the judge. Bailiffs had go separate them and the judge held the suspect's father in contempt of court. His hearing was held later, and a public defender said Montano's father was hugging his son and giving him words of encouragement

A little over a dozen Chicago police officers filled the courtroom to show their support for Officer Vasquez-Lasso. Montano will be back in court on June 7.