Police: Officer Shot Teen Who Pointed Gun At Him In South Shore
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago Police are investigating what led up to an officer pulling the trigger and shooting a teenager Monday night.
CBS 2's Mai Martinez reports police say the 17-year-old is in serious, but stable condition at a Hyde Park hospital.
The officer says he shot the teen after the teen pointed a gun at him.
"I have to be honest with you, it was a little bit difficult to sleep last night," said Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, addressing the latest Chicago police-involved shooting with concern and relief. "I'm very thankful this situation did not result in a devastating tragedy."
The shooting happened shortly after 9:30 p.m. Monday. According to Chicago Police, the officer, who was on-duty and in uniform, had just left the Family Dollar store at 79th and Yates after buying water when the 17-year-old walked up to him at his marked CPD cruiser.
"As the officer was entering his car and getting settled, an offender approached him with a gun in hand and a confrontation ensued. The officer was able to un-holster his weapon to fire shots," Johnson said.
After shooting the teen, the officer notified dispatch about the incident.
"Shots fired by the police at 79th and Yates. Offender in a white t-shirt just fled on foot. Ran up on me and pointed a gun right in my face," the officer reported to dispatch.
The responding officers took the 17-year-old into custody in a nearby alley and rushed him to the University of Chicago Medical Center.
A Chicago Police spokesman tweeted a picture of a gun officers say was recovered at the scene.
UPDATE - Officer stopped by a dollar store in between calls when an armed offender approached officer in his car. Officer was able to retrieve his weapon & shoot the assailant who is currently in serious condition at local hospital. Weapon recovered @astinites @Chicago_Police pic.twitter.com/5CMGenZhEL
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) July 3, 2018
"I can't tell you all what this young man was thinking, but his actions were clearly very dangerous," Johnson stated.
Chicago Police say the 17-year-old has a criminal record, but cannot release details because he is a juvenile.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating the shooting, per protocol. The officer involved has been placed on administrative duties for 30 days.
