(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago’s Civilian Office of Police Accountability has just released its report that recommended the firing of an officer who shot and killed a suspect last year in Portage Park — a recommendation that was not followed by the police superintendent or the police board.
When word came two months ago from police that Officer Evan Solano would only be suspended for 20 days, the family of the 22-year-old suspect he killed protested, saying they were “appalled” by the decision.
Now COPA has released the report it sent to the police superintendent. It recommended the firing of Solano, who fatally shot Anthony Alvarez during a foot chase in March 2021.
The watchdog agency concluded “a reasonable officer should have recognized that [suspect Anthony Alvarez] was not an imminent threat.”
Alvarez looked over his right shoulder at the pursuing officer, but then continued running with a firearm, COPA officials noted.
“Officer Solano also acknowledged that after looking over his shoulder, [Alvarez] tucked the
firearm into his stomach,” the report said.
A police spokesman says Solano remains relieved of his police powers.
The fatal shooting of Alvarez and that of teen Adam Toledo in a separate chase incident in Little Village prompted the Chicago Police Department to re-examine how officers should respond when suspects flee on foot.
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