CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago Police Department has taken action against a police officer who shot and killed a 22-year-old Anthony Alvarez a foot chase earlier this year in Portage Park, as an investigation of the shooting continues.
Chicago Police Officer Evan Solano has been stripped of his police powers. His badge and gun have been taken from him. The action comes three months after a recommendation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability which is investigating the officer’s shooting of Anthony Alvarez.
COPA had recommended back in April that the department take such action, but Mayor Lori Lightfoot initially balked at the idea.
COPA continues to investigate the shooting, and Office Solano will be relieved of his duties for the duration of the investigation.
"This was good news for us. It’s still a little bit frustrating, because we know that he’s still going to be getting paid," said Roxana Figueroa, Anthony Alvarez’s cousin, who also told CBS 2 that while her cousin may have had a gun when he was shot, that’s what the court system is for.
A police department spokeswoman declined to answer questions about Solano’s status or exactly when he was stripped of his powers.
Police said the 22-year-old Alvarez was approached by tactical officers at a gas station, and the encounter escalated to a foot pursuit that began in the 3500 block of North Laramie Avenue. He was shot several times from behind by Solano.
It remains unclear why the officers confronted Alvarez.
COPA released a series of video from police-worn body cameras, as well as cameras from a nearby home. It shows a Chicago police officer yelling, “Drop the gun! Drop the gun!” before firing five shots from close range at Alvarez.
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Video shows Alvarez with a gun in his right hand, but the gun drops from his hand as he falls to the pavement.
The shooting happened two days after 13-year-old Adam Toledo was killed by a police officer during a foot chase in Little Village. Both deaths sparked outrage over police use-of -force and the department policy on foot chases.
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(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2020. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)