Suspect wounded in North Side officer-involved shooting after shots fired at first responders: CPD

Offender exchanged gunfire with Chicago police officers responding to earlier shooting, CPD officials say

Maher Kawash Image
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Suspect wounded by police after shots fired at first responders: CPD
A suspect was wounded in an officer-involved shooting Saturday in West Ridge after firing shots at Chicago police and paramedics, CPD said.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Police Department and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability are investigating an officer-involved shooting that happened Saturday morning on the city's North Side.

Officers exchanged gunfire with an armed suspect after they responded to the scene of an earlier shooting, police said.

People living in West Ridge told ABC7 it was terrifying to learn what unfolded. Police spent the entire day on scene investigating, and the suspect is now in the hospital.

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The Chicago Police Department provided an update about the incident at a Saturday afternoon press conference.

The Chicago Police Department provided an update Saturday on an officer-involved shooting in West Rogers Park.

A 39-year-old victim was shot around 9:35 a.m. as they were walking in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue, Chicago police said. An armed offender approached the victim from behind and shot them in the shoulder.

Officers and paramedics arrived as neighbors in the area immediately rendered aid to the victim while the suspect ran away.

"That shows the good of people in this neighborhood, they'll stop in to help other people," resident John Wong said. "That's one thing I like about this neighborhood."

Around 9:55 a.m., the 23-year-old male offender emerged from an alley and fired shots at the officers and paramedics, police said.

It's a nice residential neighborhood, but we've noticed, just with any other neighborhood in Chicago, there's more of a crime element.
John Wong, resident

The suspect continued to exchange gunfire with officers over the course of about two minutes, Chicago police officials said.

The offender was shot multiple times by officers in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue, police said. Officers rendered aid to the man, and he was taken to a local hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.

People living near the scene said acts of violence like this have become too common in their neighborhood.

"We like this neighborhood because it's a nice residential neighborhood, but we've noticed, just with any other neighborhood in Chicago, there's more of a crime element," Wong said. "More of a safety hazard with shootings and carjackings."

The 39-year-old victim was treated for their gunshot wound and has been released from the hospital, police said. The gender and identity of the victim was not immediately known.

No police officers or CFD members were injured in the incident, CPD said.

No further information was immediately available. CPD and COPA continue to investigate.

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