COPA investigates after officer fires shot during foot pursuit on South Side

CHICAGO (WGN) — Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating on Friday morning after an officer fired their weapon during a chase on the city’s South Side overnight.

According to police, the shooting unfolded just before 10:30 p.m. in the 4300 block of South Champlain Avenue in Bronzeville.

Police say it all started after patrol officers assigned to the 2nd District Tactical Team noticed a large crowd allegedly causing a disturbance at a park in the area.

The officers approached the crowd in an attempt to investigate and disperse it, but as they approached, a male offender allegedly pushed an officer before fleeing the scene on foot.

The officers chased the suspect but during the pursuit, the suspect allegedly ran around a building, before he eventually began advancing toward one of the officers.

As the suspect allegedly approached, an officer fired a shot from his gun, but nobody was struck.

Additional officers who were called to the scene were then able to take the suspect into custody and charges against him are currently pending.

COPA notified the public about their investigation in a post shared on X early Friday morning.

According to CPD, the officer or officers involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum of 30 days.

Chicago police said the Investigative Response Team and COPA are investigating the incident.

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