Update: Chicago Police on Thursday confirmed the identified of the fallen officer. Our latest story with updates is here. Our original story continues below.
A Chicago police officer was shot to death in Gage Park late Wednesday afternoon, Chicago's police superintendent confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. in the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue, when police were responding to a domestic incident, in which a man was allegedly chasing a woman with a gun, Supt. Brown said.
Brown said two cars responded to the incident, with officers inside the first car knocking on the door of the home while officers inside the second car engaged with the suspect.
The responding officers from the second car began pursuing the suspect when an exchange of gunfire between an officer and the suspect occurred at close range.
The male officer sustained gunshot wounds to the face and leg and was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in critical condition, where he later passed away shortly after arrival to the hospital.
Brown said that the gunman is an 18-year-old man, who sustained a gunshot wound to the head and is hospitalized in critical condition. According to Brown, the gunman has one prior criminal offense.
“I ask that the city cover this officer’s family," Brown told the media during a press conference Wednesday. "This is a family of public servants, and as you can imagine, they are taking this tragedy very hard. Young officer, right at five years. Had a bright future ahead of him. This is something that no family should have to face,” Brown told the media.
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Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined Supt. Brown in addressing the media Wednesday night.
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"I want to remind people that every single day, on every shift, officers run to danger for our safety. If you see an officer tonight, or the next day, thank them for their service. They need our thanks. They need our support, they need to know that every one of our city has their backs," Lightfoot said.
Mayoral runoff candidates Paul Vallas and Brandon Johnson released statements on the officer's death in the line of duty.
"The courageous men and women of the Chicago police department have suffered another tragic loss of one of their own to the ultimate sacrifice of protecting our communities. My heartfelt thoughts are with the officer’s loved ones and the entire CPD family who are grieving during this difficult time. This is a tragic reminder of what our police officers do each and every day, laying their lives on the line for us. This violence must come to an end,” Vallas said in a statement.
Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson released the following statement:
“This is a sad and sorrowful day for our city, and my heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the Chicago police officer whose life was taken in the line of duty in Gage Park this afternoon. I am praying for healing for all those close as we await further details on this tragedy," Johnson said.
This is a developing story. Check back with NBC 5 for more details.
