Gunman Returns to Scene, Engages in Shootout with Chicago Police
CHICAGO — A 23-year-old gunman who shot a man in West Rogers Park on Saturday morning returned to the scene and engaged Chicago police officers in a two-and-a-half-minute shootout, officials revealed. The gunman was hospitalized with gunshot wounds, while the initial victim was treated and released. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported, according to CPD.
Initial Shooting Incident
Police responded to a call of a person shot in the 2700 block of West Farwell around 9:35 a.m. Witnesses stated that a 39-year-old man was walking on the sidewalk when a gunman wearing a bright safety vest opened fire on him from behind.
The gunman fled the scene after the shooting, but police later found a discarded safety vest in the area.
Engagement with Police
As police and fire personnel were managing the situation, the gunman returned to the area and initiated another round of shooting. During the exchange of gunfire, one round struck a Chicago Fire Department ambulance. The officers returned fire.
Deputy Chief of Detectives Kevin Bruno mentioned during an evening press conference that the gunman popped up at various locations for over two minutes, continuously firing shots towards the first responders. Gunfire could even be heard on the local police radio channel as officers were providing updates from the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
Police ultimately neutralized the gunman and immediately switched to life-saving mode, applying a tourniquet and other life-saving techniques to stabilize his condition. Bruno stated that the man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was in critical condition. He also declined to comment on speculations that the gunman targeted the initial victim because of his Jewish background.
Prior to Bruno’s press conference, investigators brought a bomb-sniffing dog to inspect a car in the 2700 block of West Morse as a precautionary measure.
Investigation
The police shooting incident is currently under investigation by COPA, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
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