Cop Involved in West Side Off-Duty Shooting Stripped of Duties; Sources Say He was Intoxicated
Off-Duty Shooting in Austin Leaves One Person Seriously Injured
A Chicago police officer has been benched after opening fire during a drunken gunfight early Saturday in Austin that left a companion seriously wounded, according to oversight officials and sources.
Shooting Erupts in the 1000 Block of South Mayfield Avenue
The exchange of gunfire erupted about 1:25 a.m. Saturday when a vehicle carrying two off-duty Chicago cops and three other people stopped in the 1000 block of South Mayfield Avenue, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability said in a statement.
Civilian Office of Police Accountability’s Statement
Someone then hopped out of another vehicle and began shooting it out with the occupants of the vehicle carrying the cops, according to COPA and Chicago police. A 26-year-old man who was riding with the officers was wounded and was taken in the vehicle to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park, where he was listed in serious condition.
Off-Duty Officer Opens Fire
Police officials later informed COPA that one of the off-duty officers had opened fire, the oversight agency said. The officer, who was hired in 2017, has been relieved of his policing powers, according to a department spokesperson.
Officer Was Intoxicated, Sources Say
Law enforcement sources said he was intoxicated.
Shooting Partially Captured by Third-Party Cameras
The shooting was partially captured by third-party cameras, COPA said. No one has been arrested.
Vehicle Fleeing the Scene
Officers from Oak Park responded about 1:40 a.m. to a call of a person shot at the hospital and watched a vehicle “flee the scene,” according to Oak Park police. A vehicle matching its description was spotted a short time later and was ultimately curbed near Austin Boulevard and Madison Street, where officers saw it was riddled with “multiple bullet holes.”
Driver’s Arrest and Confiscation of Firearms
The driver was then asked to step out of the vehicle, and officers found a gun in his pocket and another under a seat. He had a valid license to carry the weapons publicly, Oak Park police said.
Chicago Police Take Over Investigation
Chicago police officers ultimately showed up “and took over the investigation” because the shooting happened in the city, Oak Park police said.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of responsible behavior and the need for officers to prioritize public safety. As the investigation continues, it is crucial that authorities ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry to uncover the facts surrounding the shooting.
FAQs
* When did the shooting occur?
+ The shooting occurred early Saturday in Austin.
* Who was involved in the shooting?
+ Two off-duty Chicago police officers and three other people were in the vehicle that was involved in the shooting.
* Who was injured in the shooting?
+ A 26-year-old man who was riding with the officers was seriously injured.
* Has anyone been arrested in connection with the shooting?
+ No one has been arrested.
