Tragic Accident: Police Officer and Teenager Shot by Same Bullet in Englewood
Accidental Shooting
A chaotic scene unfolded in Englewood on Thursday afternoon when a Chicago police officer and a 16-year-old boy were accidentally shot by the same bullet during an investigative stop.
Incident
According to Police Supt. Larry Snelling, the shooting occurred in the 5600 block of South Shields Avenue around 12:30 p.m. when officers were conducting an investigative stop involving the 16-year-old boy. When an officer reached to grab the gun found in the boy’s waistband, it "inadvertently" went off, striking the boy in the groin and then the officer in the leg. One shell casing was recovered.
Injuries
The wounds were through and through, and both victims were in good condition later that afternoon. The 16-year-old boy was recovering at Stroger Hospital, while the police officer was being treated at the University of Chicago Hospital.
Investigation
Snelling emphasized that the incident was an accident and that every one of those encounters has the potential to end with deadly force on either side. He also stated that the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating the shooting to ensure transparency and a thorough investigation.
Quotes
"We make sure that there’s transparency here, because it is a shooting where someone was shot, we want to make sure that it’s investigated properly," Snelling said.
"This is yet another example why it’s important that law enforcement has all the tools it needs in order to provide the type of safety and security Chicago deserves," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "It’s also more evidence of why critical investments in this moment for our young people is crucial to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago."
Aftermath
According to sources, another officer applied a tourniquet to the wounded officer as his partners rushed him to the hospital in a police car. The 16-year-old boy was also arrested and taken to the hospital in an ambulance.
Conclusion
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers and members of the public face on a daily basis. Our thoughts are with the two victims and their families, and we hope for their swift and full recovery.
FAQs
Q: What happened during the shooting?
A: During an investigative stop, a Chicago police officer reached to grab a gun found in the waistband of a 16-year-old boy, and it inadvertently went off, striking both the officer and the boy.
Q: Were the victims in life-threatening condition?
A: No, according to sources, neither the 16-year-old boy nor the police officer appeared to suffer life-threatening injuries.
Q: Who is investigating the shooting?
A: The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating the shooting to ensure transparency and a thorough investigation.
