3 Questioned In 'Targeted' Shooting Of 2 CPD Officers In Back Of The Yards
By Stephen Gossett in News on May 3, 2017 2:52PM
Police officers investigate a crime scene on the 4300 block of South Ashland Avenue where two police officers were shot May 2. Photo by Tyler LaRiviere/Chicagoist
Three people are being questioned by authorities after two plainclothes tactical-unit officers were shot in Back of the Yards on Tuesday night, according to police.
Police said the officers were shot by a "high-powered weapon" after shooters "indiscriminately in the direction of the officers" on Tuesday.
CPD Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said authorities believe the officers were targeted, according to the Sun-Times.
CPD questioning 3 people of interest from officer shooting. 2 guns recovered thus far. We believe officers were shot by high powered weapon
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) May 3, 2017
The officers were taken to Stroger Hospital in serious condition, but both stabilized. One officer was shot in the arm and hip; the second officer was shot in the back. Both officers are doing "quite well, thank God," said Supt. Eddie Johnson said, and are expected to survive.
The shooting happened at around 9 p.m. near 43rd Street and Ashland Avenue. Officers from the Deering district were running a follow-up investigation from a previous incident, police said. One, possibly two, vehicles pulled alongside and "started firing indiscriminately at the officers," Johnson said. The officers, who returned fire but apparently did not hit anyone, were both struck.
Police said that at least two weapons were recovered from the scene.
A group of police officers one with an assault rifle search though and the alley near 3700 South Morgan for any signs of the suspects involved in the shooting of two police officers at 4300 South Ashland. Photo by Tyler LaRiviere/Chicagoist
Johnson said there is an "extensive manhunt" for those responsible. "I think people take it for granted that when police officers come to work every day, they put their lives on the line, every single day they get in that car," he added.
Two CPD officers shot during encounter. Transported to Stroger in serious condition. Superintendent responding to hospital. Updates to follo
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) May 3, 2017
Officers in stable condition - 1 shot in arm and hip, second officer shot in back. Offenders shot from a vehicle.
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) May 3, 2017
A police scanner captured audio from the shooting. Be warned, the audio is graphic and distressing.
Hundreds of police officers gathered at the scene of the shooting and at the hospital on Tuesday evening, according to the Tribune.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who also reportedly visited the officers in the hospital, tweeted support on Tuesday night.
Tonight was a frightening reminder of the dangers our dedicated officers face. Thank you @Chicago_Police for putting service above self. https://t.co/XTgQZtbQkP
— ChicagosMayor (@ChicagosMayor) May 3, 2017
In a joint statement, Ald. Patrick Thompson (11th) and Ald. Raymond Lopez (15th) said, "We are praying this evening for the two officers shot tonight and their families, and for the safety of those officers who are continuing the search for the offenders. We are in close communication with the 9th District Commander and officers, and we urge anyone with any information regarding this shooting to come forward immediately to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to swift justice."