Man Charged With Shooting Chicago Police Officer
Updated 03/12/14 - 7:52 a.m.
CHICAGO (STMW) -- A man has been charged with attempted murder for firing a bullet that ricocheted and struck a Chicago Police officer in the face Sunday.
James Garland, 53, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated battery with a firearm in connection with the shooting in the 2700 block of East 92nd Street, according to police.
About 8:45 p.m. Sunday, officers were executing a search warrant for narcotics when someone inside the home fired a shot that eventually struck the officer between the eyes, Police Supt. Garry McCarthy told reporters.
The officers with the South Chicago District Tactical Team had entered the building from the rear, believing the subject of the warrant lived in the basement, police said.
Garland, who lived in the home, allegedly fired one round in the officers' direction as they entered the residence. The bullet ricocheted off a piece of wood and hit the officer in the face, police said.
A fragment of the bullet lodged in his forehead. The 34-year-old man -- an 11-year veteran of the department -- was treated and released from a hospital Monday, authorities said.
Police officers did not fire any shots during the confrontation and a handgun with one spent round was recovered at the scene, McCarthy said
Garland is scheduled to appear in bond court Wednesday.
Police initially said they were questioning six people who were inside the home at the time, but all others except Garland were released without charges, police said Wednesday morning.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
