Suspect fatally shot after officer pinned in crash opens fire during burglary investigation

CHICAGO (WGN) —  An investigation by Chicago’s Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is underway on Saturday morning after a suspect was killed and another was arrested following a crash and shooting involving officers on the city’s West Side.

Chicago Police say the incident unfolded just after 3:45 a.m. after officers were called to the 5500 block of West Thomas Street, in Austin, following a report of a vehicle burglary in the area.

The caller also told authorities that they spotted three offenders at the scene, who allegedly got into a dark sedan before fleeing south along Waller.

As officers made their way to the scene, they encountered the vehicle near Chicago Avenue and Waller Avenue.

According to police, after officers encountered the vehicle, the driver allegedly crashed into two CPD squad cars, pinning one of the officers.

The officer involved in the crash then opened fire on the suspects, striking one of them.

Following the shooting, officers rendered aid to the suspect, who was hit, but police say they later died at the hospital.

A passenger in the car was taken into custody following the crash, and a gun was allegedly recovered from the sedan.

Officers said a third suspect who fled the scene was followed by officers, but they managed to get away. During the pursuit, however, officers recovered a gun he had attempted to get rid of.

In total, two officers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

No other injuries have been reported and authorities have not identified the suspect killed.

CPD’s 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.