CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago police officers exchanged gunfire with someone Monday morning amid widespread looting and property damage in the Loop.
The unrest began around 12:20 a.m. Monday, when police were called to reports of a mob scene on Michigan Avenue. Videos posted to social media showed large crowds breaking windows and entering stores along the Magnificent Mile.
Gun shots could be heard throughout the downtown area as police responded to the scene.
"As of now, Chicago police have made more than 100 arrests for looting, disorderly conduct, battery against police, among other charges. A total of 13 officers have been injured throughout the night, including a sergeant who was struck with a bottle. Another officer had his nose broken as he fought with a group of looters," Brown said.
"...When you talk about being overwhelmed, I'm not sure I can digest when officers are doing their job, making arrests under the threat of being shot at — I would do nothing but applaud the efforts of the Chicago Police officers in response to a social media post and almost immediately caravans of cars going to our downtown area."
Just before 5 a.m., Chicago police confirmed an officer did exchange gunfire with a suspect early Monday morning near Michigan Avenue and Lake Street.
According to CPD spokesperson Tom Ahern, someone fired shots at responding officers and police returned fire.
The incident happened as police responded to widespread looting and property damage downtown.
"In one incident last night, officers were arresting a looting suspect at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street. This person was carrying a cash register he had looted out of a store. As officers were making the arrest, another vehicle passed by the officers and fired shots at the officers, as their vehicle turned the corner, resulting in an exchange in gunfire between officers and the suspects. A bullet was found lodged in the cage of the police vehicle," Brown said.
A day earlier, a person was shot by police and taken into custody after allegedly firing at officers in Englewood.