Three Chicago tactical officers were shot in the line of duty while conducting a drug investigation on the West Side of the city Monday night.
According to the Chicago Tribune, The officers were conducting an investigation in response to a narcotics complaint when two suspicious people -a man and a woman- crossed through the courtyard where the investigation was taking place.
When the officers approached, the male suspect took off.
“Officers gave chase and followed one of the offenders into a dark gangway between two buildings. At some point, the offender fired shots at pursuing officers, striking three,” CPD Sergeant Al Stinites said.
Despite returning fire and killing the suspect, three officers were hit.
One officer suffered a gunshot wound to the back, another in the foot and the third was shot in the chest area, though it was likely he was saved by his bulletproof vest. According to sources, one of the officers was in serious to critical condition.
The woman involved in the incident is being questioned by police. The firearm used in the incident has been recovered.
Ambulances took the three officers to Stroger Hospital, with police shutting down certain streets en-route in anticipation of traffic from a nearby hockey game. Dozens of officers were awaiting the arrival of the ambulances at the hospital, standing around the entrance to the ER.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement, saying that “every day, (officers) put themselves in danger so the rest of us can be safe.”
“Tonight we were reminded of the dangers that our police face, and the bravery that they routinely display as three of our officers were shot in line of duty,” Emanuel said. “The thoughts and prayers of our entire city are with the officers and their families during this difficult time.”
The officers involved in the shooting will be placed on one month of administrative duties, a policy implemented by Chicago PD following a shooting last year.
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