In a burst of “speedy hearth” a suspect fatally shot somebody driving in his car and a Chicago police officer throughout a site visitors cease in Chatham Monday night time, police stated.
The 26-year-old officer, Enrique Martinez, was pronounced lifeless at 8:14 p.m. on the College of Chicago Medical Middle, solely minutes after the taking pictures, based on the Prepare dinner County medical expert’s workplace.
Officer Martinez was a “hero” who was “working to make this metropolis safer,” based on a Facebook post from the Fraternal Order of Police.
He had his entire life and profession forward of him, the put up learn.
“Tonight, tomorrow and for eternity, we honor his sacrifice! Relaxation simple hero. We’ll maintain the road from right here,” the put up stated.
“He was a proud particular person, very laborious working, and he gave his life for this metropolis,” Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling informed reporters outdoors the College of Chicago Medical Middle early Tuesday.
The slain sixth District officer would have marked three years on the job in December.
The assault unfolded after officers stopped a car with three occupants about 8 p.m. within the 8000 block of South Ingleside, Snelling stated.
As officers approached the car one of many occupants opened hearth on Martinez, Snelling stated, including that “it gave the impression of speedy hearth.” The officer was struck a number of instances. One of many occupants of the car, who remained unidentified, was additionally struck and killed by the gunfire.
The shooter ran out from the car after making an attempt and failing to drive away, Snelling stated. He was taken into custody after a quick foot chase and search of the realm. The third particular person within the car, who was within the again seat, was additionally arrested.
Police rushed Martinez to the College of Chicago Medical Middle, the place he was pronounced lifeless, Snelling stated.
Officers recovered a handgun on the occupant of the car who was fatally shot, Snelling stated. Officers additionally recovered a semiautomatic weapon with an prolonged journal on the scene.
One officer discharged their weapon however Snelling stated investigators are nonetheless working to piece collectively which officer it was. The Civilian Workplace of Police Accountability stated it was investigating.
There was a big police presence outdoors the medical middle in Hyde Park late Monday night time. Officers each out and in of uniform had been seen embracing one another, whereas others had been heard shouting.
“Our officers exit and so they face such a hazard each single day,” Snelling informed reporters. “This work is unpredictable and we by no means know what’s in retailer for our officers after they’re on the market tying to maintain the general public protected. And simply bear in mind in a metropolis the place our officers will not be protected it’s going to be laborious for everybody else to be protected.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson stated the younger officer “courageously protected this metropolis” and known as on all residents within the metropolis to wish for his household and put their arms across the police division.
“This tragic loss cuts deep, the wound is extreme,” Johnson stated. “The one manner we’ll get by way of this tragic loss is that if we put our arms round each other and acknowledge the worth, the bravery of our police division, who put their lives on the road for us daily.”
