Introduction to the Incident
A Chicago man accused of hitting a police officer with a car while attempting to flee the scene of an alleged burglary is now facing an attempted murder charge. Chicago police say 32-year-old Barry Hayes, a West Garfield Park resident, has been charged with several felonies, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of criminal damage to government property, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, fire official or ER worker and one count of leaving the scene of an accident.
The Charges and Incident
The charges stem from Hayes’s alleged role in an incident that left several CPD officers injured on Wednesday morning. According to Chicago police, it all unfolded while officers were conducting a burglary investigation in the 5800 block of South Princeton Avenue in Englewood, just after 5 a.m. While in the area, officers learned that multiple offenders were allegedly removing proceeds from railcars nearby. Officers began making their way toward the area, but as they approached, Hayes, who officers said was inside an SUV, allegedly sped toward one of the officers and struck them.
Photo provided by Chicago police shows 32-year-old Barry Hayes, who is accused of hitting a Chicago police officer with a car while attempting to flee the scene of an alleged burglary.
Following the crash, the officer who was struck opened fire on the vehicle, but police said Hayes allegedly continued toward officers and crashed into a marked squad car. Nobody was shot during the shooting.
Injuries and Arrests
The officer who was struck by the car was later hospitalized in good condition. Two other officers at the scene were also taken to the hospital for observation. Hayes was taken into custody shortly after the crash and is set to appear in court. Officers say Hayes is believed to have been one of several people involved in the incident. According to police, amid the alleged altercation with Hayes officers, a second vehicle, a van, was also spotted allegedly fleeing the scene after officers arrived.
Investigation and Charges
Another group of officers caught up with the vehicle in the 7100 block of South Yale and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver allegedly tried to flee and struck two squad cars during the attempt. Following the crashes, a 30-year-old man who was allegedly inside the van tried to get out, but was run over by the van as the driver fled the scene. The injured suspect was then taken into custody and transported to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities later located the van abandoned in the 7500 block of South State Street.
Two officers involved in the second incident were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and were listed in good condition. Charges have not yet been announced against anyone else involved. Given that an officer opened fire during the first incident, Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) began an investigation. CPD’s Investigative Response Team is also investigating the incident alongside COPA. The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days, according to COPA.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement officers in their daily duties. The attempted murder charge against Barry Hayes reflects the severity of the incident and the potential consequences for those who engage in violent behavior against police officers. The investigation by COPA and CPD’s Investigative Response Team will aim to provide a thorough understanding of the events and ensure that justice is served.
FAQs
Q: What charges has Barry Hayes been accused of?
A: Barry Hayes has been charged with several felonies, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of criminal damage to government property, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, fire official or ER worker and one count of leaving the scene of an accident.
Q: How many officers were injured in the incident?
A: A total of five officers were injured in the incident, with one officer being struck by the car and two other officers being taken to the hospital for observation in the first incident, and two officers being taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries in the second incident.
Q: Is the investigation still ongoing?
A: Yes, the investigation by COPA and CPD’s Investigative Response Team is still ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure that justice is served.
Q: What is the current status of Barry Hayes?
A: Barry Hayes is currently in custody and is set to appear in court.
Q: How can I report information about the incident?
A: Those with information on the shooting can contact COPA on its website or by calling 312-746-3609.
