Newly released videos capture shooting, crash involving CPD officer during Northwest Side smash-&-grab

WARNING: The attached link contains footage and audio that could be disturbing to some viewers. The full collection of files can be viewed HERE on COPA’s website.

CHICAGO — Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has released new videos that show the moment a CPD officer opened fire shortly after they were struck by a group of alleged thieves fleeing the scene of a smash-and-grab burglary on the Northwest Side in early August.

The shooting unfolded just before 4:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7, at a GameStop located in the 2900 block of West Addison Street, in Irving Park.

Officers in the area first responded to the scene after they noticed multiple armed offenders burglarizing the business.

According to police, as the officers approached the scene, an unknown number of thieves got into two vehicles, a white Chrysler sedan and a red Jeep SUV, that were waiting nearby and attempted to flee the scene.

But during the alleged flee attempt, officers said the suspected thieves in one of the cars struck one of the responding officers.

Shortly after being hit, the officer opened fire on the vehicle that hit him before additional officers began pursuing the vehicles.

The chase came to an end, however, after officers got into a crash with an unrelated vehicle and the suspects got away.

The officer who opened fire was later hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and there were no reports of anyone being struck by gunfire.

Additionally, no one was injured in the crash that unfolded during the chase.

SkyCam 9 was over the scene that day when the shop could be seen from overhead with significant damage to the front window and door.

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

The incident sparked a COPA investigation and on Tuesday, officials from the police oversight agency announced that they would be releasing videos related to the incident.

Videos shared by COPA include dash-cam and body-worn camera footage captured by responding officers.

The videos show the chaotic moments leading up to the crash and shooting.

In the videos, officers can be seen arriving on the scene as the suspects ran to two nearby vehicles. Shortly after, one of the officers can be seen opening fire on the fleeing vehicle.

Moments later, the officers are seen back in their squad cars pursuing the suspects.

In addition to the videos, COPA also released a collection of documents detailing the incident.

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