COPA investigating after Chicago police shoot, kill burglary suspect in North Lawndale

CHICAGO (WGN) — The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating after Chicago police shot and killed a man late Sunday morning while responding to a burglary in the North Lawndale neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side.

According to the Chicago Police Department, uniformed officers from the 10th District responded to a burglary-in-progress call in the 1800 block of South Central Park Avenue around 10:45 a.m., and after arriving on scene they encountered the suspect.

A foot chase ensued, and an exchange of gunfire took place at multiple locations in the immediate area. Police said officers were fired upon by the suspect and then returned fire, hitting the suspect.

People attending Sunday services at a nearby church told WGN they heard as many as 15 shots.

Police then rendered first-aid to the suspect, who was taken by ambulance to an area hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The suspect’s identity has not yet been released.

A weapon was recovered at the scene of the incident, according to police.

CPD said officers involved were taken to an area hospital for observation and will be placed on 30-day administrative leave, as is standard department policy.

CPD’s Investigative Response Team was on scene, as well as COPA. The specifics of the incident, including the comprehensive use of force investigation, are being investigated by COPA, with the full cooperation of CPD, police said.

Police brass did not take questions from reporters who came to the scene Sunday night. CPD Supt. Larry Snelling may comment on the incident following a police graduation ceremony scheduled for Monday morning.