Man Charged with Shooting Chicago Police Officer During Violent Home Invasion
A man has been charged with shooting a Chicago police officer in the chest as the cop attempted to stop a violent home invasion in Morgan Park early Sunday morning. Fortunately, the officer survived the incident thanks to his ballistic vest.
Darren Brewster, 35, faces charges of attempted murder, home invasion, and other felonies in connection with the incident.
According to Assistant State’s Attorney Mike Pekara, the incident stemmed from a confrontation on December 5, where members of the victims’ household had a dispute with Brewster’s girlfriend and sister after a disabled car forced them to pull over. During the altercation, the women allegedly struck one of the men involved in the later home invasion. One of the women then called Brewster to the scene, but the groups eventually separated.
In the early hours of Sunday, the victims were at home with four children when Brewster showed up at their residence on the 11400 block of South Davol Street, where Brewster also lives. One of the victims opened the door to find Brewster standing there. Despite the victim’s attempt to close the door, Brewster forced his way inside. He then allegedly pointed a gun at another victim and fired a shot above his head before fleeing the scene.
Shortly after, Brewster returned with his 15-year-old son and forced his way into the home again, causing damage to the door frame. As one of the victims called 911 to report a home invasion, Brewster rushed toward two brothers in the kitchen, brandishing the gun. A struggle ensued, during which one of the victims grabbed a kitchen knife, and they managed to wrestle Brewster to the ground near the front entryway.
When two CPD officers arrived on the scene, Brewster allegedly turned towards one of the officers and fired, hitting him in the chest. Fortunately, the officer’s protective vest stopped the bullet from penetrating. The officer then fired his weapon, striking Brewster in the back and one of the victims in the arms. A .45-caliber Glock was found near Brewster’s hand on the floor.
Ballistics tests matched the casings found in the home to the handgun near Brewster, and residue testing confirmed gunshot residue on both of Brewster’s hands. Brewster, the injured victim, and the officer were all taken to hospitals for treatment.
Pekara noted that Brewster has a criminal history, including four misdemeanor convictions since 2013, with the most recent being a 2018 weapons charge in Iroquois County.
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