(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The watchdog agency that investigates shootings involving Chicago police says it has not been able to confirm that a suspect whom officers killed early Wednesday had exchanged gunfire with them.
Police Supt. David Brown told reporters this week that a confrontation between the suspect and officers on the Northwest Side included a shootout with the individual before he was fatally shot.
A statement issued by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability on Thursday says that has not been confirmed.
“COPA can confirm a weapon was recovered at the scene and body-worn camera video captures the initial interaction as well as the subsequent shooting,” COPA First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy said.
“It is unclear, nor has it been determined by COPA, if the individual discharged his weapon at police.”
COPA continues to investigate and seek additional witnesses and evidence, Eaddy said.
According to COPA, officers responded to a call of an altercation near 3700 N. Kedzie. Responding officers saw an individual who they suspect was involved and chased them into an alley. The individual fell to the ground and was ordered to remain there, COPA said.
“As the individual began to get up, both officers discharged their firearms multiple times, striking the individual, who was pronounced deceased on scene,” the agency said.
Brown said a disturbance outside an Irving Park bar preceded the officer-involved shooting. A man allegedly threatened people at Christina’s Place with a gun before leaving.
Officers chased the suspect into an alley at 3700 N. Troy. Two officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire, Brown said Wednesday.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, the superintendent said.
The officers involved in the shooting are on leave. The person who was fatally shot has not been identified.
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