Manhunt in Alsip after shots fired at Chicago police

ALSIP, Ill. (WLS) -- A shootout involving police on Chicago's South Side led to a massive search for a suspect in south suburban Alsip early Thursday morning.

Patrol officers responded on foot to a report of shots fired by at least two different weapons near West 118th Street and South Lowe Avenue in the city's West Pullman neighborhood around 2:40 a.m. When they arrived, police said the officers saw gunmen in a silver sedan firing at a group on the street.

After the officers announced they were police and tried to intervene, the gunmen allegedly started shooting them. Police said one of the officers returned fire, but did not hit anyone.

The car sped off west on 119th and the officers chased. After sending out a description of the vehicle, other police units spotted the car a few miles away, in the parking lot of Prairie Junior High School near West 119th Street and South Kostner Avenue in Alsip. The vehicle had crashed into some trees.

Police said three people ran from the sedan. Two men were taken into custody, but one got away. Officers are searching for the third suspect in the area of West 118th Street and South Lawler Avenue.

Officers found one of the men taken into custody was shot in the leg. The 22-year-old was transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where his condition stabilized. He is expected to survive.

A weapon was recovered from the vehicle. Area South detectives are investigating.

Classes were canceled Thursday at all schools in Alsip School District 126 as a precaution. Those schools include Hazelgreen Elementary School, Lane Elementary School, Stony Creek Elementary School and Prairie Junior High School. Officials said on the district's website no one is in danger, but they want to keep the community safe. Classes are scheduled to resume Friday.