Little Village – A Chicago police officer who was off duty on Sunday night opened fire with two handguns after an exchange of words with a group of pedestrians on the 2600 block of West 24th Street. The incident, captured on third‑party video, resulted in one man being shot and taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in fair condition and a second individual self‑transporting to the hospital for an arm injury.
Sequence of events
According to the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the officer encountered the group at approximately 12:48 a.m. The officer allegedly exchanged words with one person before firing “multiple times.” After the initial shots, the officer drove eastward toward the 2300 block of South Rockwell Street, exited the vehicle and discharged two firearms simultaneously toward the original scene.
COPA’s update notes that the officer’s vehicle was not struck, contrary to an earlier police statement that a “male offender” had hit the officer in the face. The civilian review board’s latest release makes no mention of any physical contact.
Medical response and legal status
The victim who was struck by gunfire was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital and is reported to be in fair condition. A second person, who suffered an arm injury, chose to drive himself to a medical facility. Both individuals received treatment and were released without further incident.
Police records indicate that the man taken into custody after the shooting was later released without charges, as reported by the Chicago Sun‑Times.
Administrative action and ongoing investigation
Chicago Police Department officials announced that the officer will be placed on “routine administrative duties” for at least 30 days while the department’s investigative response team conducts a full review. The officer also received treatment for minor injuries and was released from the hospital.
COPA is urging anyone with additional video footage or information to contact its office at 312‑746‑3609 or via the website ChicagoCOPA.org. The civilian review board’s role is to provide independent oversight and ensure transparency in police conduct.
Community impact
Little Village residents expressed concern over the use of force, especially the decision to fire two weapons at once. Community leaders emphasized the importance of thorough investigations and accountability, while also recognizing the challenges officers face when responding to unexpected confrontations.
City officials reiterated their commitment to public safety and to supporting officers who act within the bounds of the law. The administration’s stance underscores the balance between protecting neighborhoods and upholding the rights of all citizens.
Next steps
The CPD investigative team and COPA will continue to review video evidence, witness statements, and forensic reports. Findings will be released to the public as soon as they are available, ensuring that the community remains informed about the outcome of the investigation.
Original reporting: Block Club Chicago — read the source article.
