Family Disputes CPD’s Claims in West Side Shooting

Introduction to the Incident

A late-night shooting in Humboldt Park left one Chicago police officer injured, a male suspect dead, and grieving family members disputing CPD’s account of the incident. Loved ones of 19-year-old Natahniel Fejerang told WGN-TV Friday that they are heartbroken and in disbelief over his shooting death, which they say occurred near his home.

Family’s Reaction

"I’m so devastated. I don’t believe this, for me to get a call like this, that my baby brother is not here anymore," said Justine Fejerang, Natahniel’s sister.

Preliminary Investigation

Chicago police’s preliminary investigation suggests that the incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. Thursday when officers attempted to conduct an investigatory stop in an alley in the 4300 block of West North Avenue in Humboldt Park. According to police, as the officers approached the suspect, identified by family members as Nathaniel Fejerang, he allegedly fled into a nearby backyard on foot, leading officers on a chase.

Dispute Over the Events

Carrie Garza, a family friend and mother of Nathaniel Fejerang’s girlfriend, told WGN-TV that’s not what occurred. "He was chilling in the yard with the neighbors, so there was no running from police," she said. "He was already in that yard." CPD said that officers eventually caught up with the suspect, but while working to detain him, a struggle ensued. According to police, Fejerang’s weapon discharged, striking one of the officers in the leg. Police add that following the gunshot, one of the officers opened fire and fatally wounded Fejerang, who was pronounced dead at Mt. Sinai Hospital.

Aftermath

Emergency crews rushed the officer to a nearby hospital in serious but stable condition. Jose Fejerang, Nataniel’s father, told WGN-TV that police shot his son four times, alleging that his son suffered a gunshot wound to the face. "From what I know, they said, he had his hands up and he said, ‘He’s not resisting,’ and after all that, I guess, that’s when the gun shots went off," he said. CPD said that officers recovered a firearm at the scene, but a close friend and neighbor of the 19-year-old said that they didn’t see Nathaniel with a weapon. "I didn’t see him with a gun. They said they found a gun. I didn’t see a gun. The only thing I saw there was my little brother shot in the face," the close friend said.

Background of the Victim

Nathaniel’s sister says her brother didn’t have a record or previous encounters with law enforcement. Loved ones did reveal, however, that he never fully recovered from an incident where he was shot in the head three years ago in Elmwood Park. "He was such a good kid," Justine Fejerang said. "He loved his family. He always protected us."

Investigation and Ruling

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the shooting a homicide. A Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) investigation, in tandem with CPD’s Investigative Response Team, is underway.

Conclusion

The incident has left the community and the family of Natahniel Fejerang in shock and grief, with many questions still unanswered. The dispute over the events leading to Fejerang’s death highlights the need for a thorough and transparent investigation.

FAQs

• Q: What happened during the incident in Humboldt Park?
  A: A Chicago police officer was injured, and a male suspect, Natahniel Fejerang, was killed in a shooting incident.
• Q: What does the police’s preliminary investigation suggest?
  A: The investigation suggests that the incident occurred when officers attempted to conduct an investigatory stop, leading to a chase and a struggle that resulted in the shooting.
• Q: Does the family agree with the police’s account of the incident?
  A: No, the family disputes the police’s claims, stating that Natahniel was not resisting and had his hands up.
• Q: What is the status of the investigation?
  A: A Civi