19-year-old man shot, killed by CPD after officer wounded in West Humboldt Park: officials

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police shot and killed a 19-year-old man Thursday night, after an officer was wounded during a struggle in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood, police said.

The incident occurred at about 10:37 p.m. in the 4300-block of West North Avenue.

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The family of 19-year old Nathaniel Fejerang said he's the young man who was shot by Chicago police after police said his gun fired and wounded an officer.

"I'm not buying it because I'm hearing stories," the victim's father said. "My neighbors are telling me that my son had his hands up, and the police pulled the gun out and they shot him."

Relatives said, before the incident, Fejerang was hanging out with friends in a neighbor's yard.

That's when police officials said Chicago police tactical officers encountered Fejerang in an alley while on patrol.

Police said, when they approached him, he ran away, dipping into a backyard.

"He was chilling in the yard with the neighbors. So, there was no running from the police; he was already in that yard," a family friend said.

Authorities said when officers tried to detain him, a struggle ensued, and the gun they said Fejerang had on him fired, wounding an officer in the leg.

That's when police said that officer returned fire, killing him.

"I hear the shots, and then I open the door, and I see them laying down with his pants down to the floor and four cops standing over him. They point the guns at me, and told me to get inside," a neighbor said.

"I come outside, and I look down there. And I see a couple officers, and then my son's hands were in the air," Fejerang's father said.

Investigators said Fejerang was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Authorities said they did find a gun at the scene.

Fejerang's father said he watched the incident from his balcony.

His father says he heard the shots.

"I was standing right here. And if he would have fired a shot, it would have been more than the four shots. The four shots was coming from CPD, not him," he said.

Fejerang's father said it's unclear why his son was stopped in the first place.

The wounded officer was released from a local hospital Friday.

Meanwhile, the family wants answers. They said Fejerang did not have a criminal record, and was attending an alternative high school.

His family said he survived being shot during an attack when he was just 16 years old and now can't believe he's gone.

"I'm so devastated; I don't believe this," his sister said.

Relatives and friends gathered Friday to hold a balloon release for Fejerang.

They are calling for justice, saying he was innocent.

"They killed a baby," one person said.

Emotions were running high, as family tried to make sense of how his final moments played out.

"It took the soul out of me," one person said.

On Monday COPA released the following statement:

On May 29, 2025, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) notified COPA of an officer-involved shooting. Preliminary information indicates this incident began when CPD officers were on patrol when they attempted to conduct an investigatory stop of an individual.
As officers approached, the individual fled on foot as the officers pursued. While attempting to detain the individual, the officers gave verbal commands, and a struggle ensued. A round was discharged, striking an officer in the leg.
A separate officer discharged their weapon, striking the individual. The officer was transported to the hospital in serious condition.
The individual was transported to the hospital and was pronounced deceased. A gun was recovered on scene.

COPA can confirm body-worn cameras captures the initial interaction and subsequent shooting. Materials related to this incident will be posted to our website in accordance with the City's Video Release Policy within 60 days of the incident unless prohibited by court order.

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