Officer Recovering After Being Shot in Bolingbrook, Illinois Incident
BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WLS) — A police officer in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is expected to make a full recovery after being shot on Sunday night, according to Bolingbrook police. The incident occurred in the southwest suburb and led to the arrest of a suspect.
The incident began around 6:15 p.m. on Sunday when officers responded to a theft complaint at a business located in the 100-block of South Bolingbrook Drive. However, the suspect had already fled the scene before the officers’ arrival and could not be located at the time.
At approximately 7:48 p.m., police received another call from the same business, reporting that the suspect had returned and fired shots. Luckily, no one was injured, but the store windows and some items inside were damaged. Those who were present at the time took cover for safety.
“We sought shelter for probably 30 minutes or so until we felt like the area was safe. Just so that way no one was hurt,” said Joshua Rabeanu, who works nearby.
Authorities quickly located the suspect across the street at his residence. However, when the officer made contact with the suspect, the man opened fire and struck the officer twice.
“There was a little bit of crossfire by the house and one of the cops got hit and they got shot,” said a witness, Eva Smerd.
With the assistance of the Illinois State Police, law enforcement officers were able to apprehend the suspect, identified as 24-year-old Victor Zarate, without incident.
The shooting has shocked and unsettled residents in the area. “I’m shocked and shaken up a little bit because this never happens in Bolingbrook, Illinois. You hear about people getting robbed, but this has never happened in Bolingbrook, Illinois,” said neighbor Jonathon Cook.
Store owners described the suspect as a regular customer who has caused trouble in the past. Police have stated that charges are pending.
Police praised the coordinated efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the apprehension of the suspect and expressed relief that the injured officer is expected to recover fully.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers in safeguarding their communities and the importance of collaboration between agencies to ensure the safety of both officers and the public.