Man in critical condition after shooting involving officer on Far South Side

CHICAGO — An investigation by Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is underway on Friday afternoon after a shooting involving a police officer on the city’s Far South Side.

According to Cook County forest preserves spokesperson Carl Vogel, one man is in critical condition after a Chicago police officer opened fire. Authorities say that the wounded offender allegedly threatened another man with a knife while on a trial near Eggers Grove, a Cook County forest preserve near the state line.

Just before 1:20 p.m., CPD and Forest Preserves of Cook County police responded to the 3800 block of East 112th Street on the city’s East Side.

“During the incident, the perpetrator was shot by the CPD officer,” Vogel wrote in a statement. “After the officers provided medical attention, the perpetrator was put under arrest by Forest Preserves Police and transported to University of Chicago Medical Center.”

Vogel said the victim was unharmed.

A male who spoke with WGN News recalled the armed male allegedly approaching him with a knife.

“He was about 30 years old. He seemed incoherent when he was talking to me and pulled out a knife and ran at me, so I pulled out mine. I told him I was going to call the police,” the male, who wished to only be identified as Alexander, told WGN News.

“It was a weird situation all around. Then, the police told me to find a main road, and that’s when I ended up finding him on the trail. Covered in blood. He got shot.” 

According to Chicago police, a CPD officer was taken to a local hospital for observation. A knife was recovered at the scene.

A social media post shared by COPA just before 2:20 p.m., noted their office’s investigation.

Those with information on the shooting can contact COPA on their website or by calling 312-746-3609.