Chicago police officer who 'courageously protected this city' shot to death in Chatham, 2 in custody
In a burst of "rapid fire" a suspect fatally shot someone riding in his vehicle and a Chicago police officer during a traffic stop in Chatham Monday night, police said. The officer, Enrique Martinez, was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m. at the University of Chicago Medical Center, only minutes after the shooting, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. The attack unfolded after officers stopped a vehicle with three occupants about 8 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Ingleside, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling told reporters outside the University of Chicago Medical Center early Tuesday.As officers approached the vehicle one of the occupants opened fire on Martinez, Snelling said, adding that “it sounded like rapid fire.” The officer was struck multiple times. One of the occupants of the vehicle was also struck and killed by the gunfire. Dozens of police stand vigil outside University of Chicago Medical Center in Hyde Park, where a fellow officer who was wounded on duty was taken.Emmanuel Camarillo/Sun-Times The shooter ran out from the vehicle after trying and failing to drive away, Snelling said. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase and search of the area. The third person in the vehicle, who was in the back seat, was also arrested.Police rushed Martinez to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Snelling said.Officers recovered a handgun on the occupant of the vehicle who was fatally shot, Snelling said. Officers also recovered a semiautomatic weapon with an extended magazine on the scene.One officer discharged their weapon but Snelling said investigators are still working to piece together which officer it was. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability said it was investigating. Uniformed and plainclothes officers at the scene in Chatham on Monday night. The wounded officer was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center by fellow officers. He was later pronounced dead.Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times There was a large police presence outside the medical center in Hyde Park late Monday night. Officers both in and out of uniform were seen embracing each other, while others were heard shouting.Snelling said the slain 6th District officer would have marked three years on the job in December. “He was a proud individual, very hard working, and he gave his life for this city,” Snelling said.“Our officers go out and they face this type of danger every single day,” Snelling said. “This work is unpredictable and we never know what’s in store for our officers when they’re out there tying to keep the public safe. And just remember in a city where our officers are not safe it’s going to be hard for everyone else to be safe.”Mayor Brandon Johnson said the young officer “courageously protected this city” and called on all residents in the city to pray for his family and put their arms around the police department.“This tragic loss cuts deep, the wound is severe,” Johnson said. “The only way we’ll get through this tragic loss is if we put our arms around one another and recognize the value, the bravery of our police department, who put their lives on the line for us every day.”
In a burst of "rapid fire" a suspect fatally shot someone riding in his vehicle and a Chicago police officer during a traffic stop in Chatham Monday night, police said.
The officer, Enrique Martinez, was pronounced dead at 8:14 p.m. at the University of Chicago Medical Center, only minutes after the shooting, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.
The attack unfolded after officers stopped a vehicle with three occupants about 8 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Ingleside, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling told reporters outside the University of Chicago Medical Center early Tuesday.
As officers approached the vehicle one of the occupants opened fire on Martinez, Snelling said, adding that “it sounded like rapid fire.” The officer was struck multiple times. One of the occupants of the vehicle was also struck and killed by the gunfire.
The shooter ran out from the vehicle after trying and failing to drive away, Snelling said. He was taken into custody after a brief foot chase and search of the area. The third person in the vehicle, who was in the back seat, was also arrested.
Police rushed Martinez to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Snelling said.
Officers recovered a handgun on the occupant of the vehicle who was fatally shot, Snelling said. Officers also recovered a semiautomatic weapon with an extended magazine on the scene.
One officer discharged their weapon but Snelling said investigators are still working to piece together which officer it was. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability said it was investigating.
There was a large police presence outside the medical center in Hyde Park late Monday night. Officers both in and out of uniform were seen embracing each other, while others were heard shouting.
Snelling said the slain 6th District officer would have marked three years on the job in December. “He was a proud individual, very hard working, and he gave his life for this city,” Snelling said.
“Our officers go out and they face this type of danger every single day,” Snelling said. “This work is unpredictable and we never know what’s in store for our officers when they’re out there tying to keep the public safe. And just remember in a city where our officers are not safe it’s going to be hard for everyone else to be safe.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the young officer “courageously protected this city” and called on all residents in the city to pray for his family and put their arms around the police department.
“This tragic loss cuts deep, the wound is severe,” Johnson said. “The only way we’ll get through this tragic loss is if we put our arms around one another and recognize the value, the bravery of our police department, who put their lives on the line for us every day.”
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