Newly released surveillance video shows the chaotic scene at a Highland Park hospital as workers flee from a man who authorities say was armed with a handgun and was then shot by police.
Illinois State Police officials said the entire incident began shortly after 11 p.m. on Nov. 3 when police responded to a crash on Route 94 near Lake Cook Road and arrested the driver for driving under the influence.
Two passengers in the vehicle, Christopher Anderson and his 9-year-old daughter, were taken to Highland Park Hospital, police said.
A few hours later, about 1:30 a.m., Highland Park police officers responded to a call for assistance with an "aggressive subject" at the hospital. Officers and hospital staff attempted to calm Anderson, who they say pulled out a handgun after becoming angry over the young girl's care.
After "repeated efforts" to get him to drop his weapon, officers fired, according to the statement. Anderson was struck and pronounced dead, police said.
In the footage, workers and officials are seen running from the hospital room. A few minutes later, officials wheel someone out of the room on a gurney.
Outraged family members remain adamant that Anderson didn't have a gun and said police have not given them updates about what happened.
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“He was just looking out for his 9-year-old daughter, in a hospital,” said his girlfriend Ladonna Rhyan. “They’re not supposed to kill him. Why not Taser? So many different methods.”
No other injuries were reported. Anderson's daughter was out of the hospital Monday and with her mom.
The Lake County State’s attorney’s office and Highland Park police said the shooting was justified and officers followed protocol. They also allege Anderson was intoxicated the night of the incident and that the gun he allegedly had was stolen.
