Chicago Police Officers Injured in Pursuit, Four Suspects in Custody
Chicago, IL (WLS) – Four people are now in custody after Chicago police officers were injured in a crash during a pursuit of suspects involved in a shooting on the South Side, according to officials.
The shooting occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. outside of the 3rd Police District in the 7000 block of South Cottage Grove Avenue. A 24-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were near the sidewalk when a vehicle approached them and at least one person inside opened fire, the police reported.
The man was shot in the thigh, while the woman was grazed in the buttocks. Both victims were transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center and are currently in good condition, police confirmed.
Following the shooting, officers located the vehicle believed to be involved near East 54th Street and South State Street in the Washington Park neighborhood. However, a crash occurred during the pursuit.
The collision left several police vehicles damaged, necessitating the extraction of the officers from the wreckage. The Chicago Fire Department responded to the scene and transported two officers to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition. Another officer was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, and a fourth officer self-transported to a nearby hospital.
State Representative Angie Guerrero-Cuellar released a statement, revealing that her husband is among the injured officers. She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support and asked for thoughts and prayers for all those involved.
Five civilians, who were not seriously injured, were also taken to local hospitals. Three of them were admitted to Insight Chicago, while the other two were taken to Provident Hospital, according to the Chicago Fire Department.
As a result of swift police action, four suspects were apprehended, and authorities recovered two handguns. Charges are currently pending, and Area One detectives have initiated an investigation into the incident.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about crime and safety in their neighborhoods through the Interactive Safety Tracker provided by the Chicago Police Department.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face daily, and the importance of their unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe.