A police officer is one of more than a dozen wounded after Chicago was rocked by shootings on Friday, Sept. 24.
According to the Chicago Tribune, shootings sparked off across the city that led to 14 injured people and two deaths.
The first fatal shooting happened at 7:45 p.m. in the Burnside neighborhood when a 44-year-old man was shot in the abdomen by two gunmen. He was later pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
The Cook County Medical examiner’s office confirmed the victim as Jason Clark, a resident of the block.
Among the 14 injured was also 30-year-old female officer.
Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said in a news conference outside headquarters that the officer was shot in the leg while attending to an injured shooting victim during a patrol.
The officer, who has been with the department for 2 years, was treated and later released from the hospital. Before leaving the hospital, the officer said over radio: “I just want to say thank you to everyone who responded, and I will be back soon. Have a goodnight and you all be safe,” according to Brown.
The superintendent said she was the 12th officer to be shot this year, and the 46th to be shot at.
“Those are astounding numbers and illustrate the dangers our officers face every day,” Brown said.
So far, two suspects are in questioning but no charges have been filed.
Chief of detectives Brendan Deenihan said the original shooting happened after a 25-year-old man and a woman were entering a residence with a pizza, and confronted a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old.
“Then there’s a massive exchange of gunshots,” Deenihan said.
The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at 11:30 p.m. while the 15-year-old is in critical condition at Comer Children’s Hospital.
Police reported that two handguns and a rifle were later found at the scene.
Detectives apparently “have a good idea” who shot the officer but would not confirm their identity until charges have been finalized.
The shootings took place less than two months after the death of Chicago Police Officer Ella French, a wound that’s still fresh for the CPD.
“We’re still grieving,” Brown said. “That’s why I always try to convey how brave and courageous it is to be responding to a shots fired call. … Our officers consistently respond to these calls even given the circumstances of our grief losing Ella French.”
