CHICAGO – Police fatally shot a man who turned on them while holding a gun during a foot chase Saturday morning on the West Side.
The shooting happened in the 3800 block of West Flournoy Street shortly after 10:15 a.m.
During an afternoon press conference, Chicago Police Deputy Chief Rahman Muhammad said officers from the Harrison district were patrolling the area, engaged in an “escalation mission” after a killing of bands that took place a week ago, when they saw several people.
“One of these individuals was seen leaning against a vehicle, officers exited their vehicle and approached and then the individual fled on foot down a walkway,” Muhammad said.
As police gave chase, the man turned toward the officer, “brandished a gun,” and an officer shot him, Muhammad said.
Officers immediately called EMS and began rendering aid, but the unidentified man who was shot died at Mount Sinai Hospital, officials said.
“The officers were trying to make sure a gang conflict didn’t escalate,” Muhammad said when the shooting happened, which he called a “tragic incident.”
An officer was also taken to an area hospital for observation and a handgun was recovered at the scene.
Fire officials said one person was initially taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition, but they did not have information immediately available on the age or gender of the people.
The shooting is being investigated by COPA with the full cooperation of the police department, and the officers involved will be on routine administrative duties for the next 30 days, Muhammad said.
