INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
INVESTIGATION
NUMBER:
Log #1069086/U #14-13
INVOLVED
OFFICER #1:

“Officer A” (Chicago Police Officer); Male/White; 35 years old;
On- Duty; Plainclothes; Year of Appointment – 2008

OFFICER’S
INJURIES:

None reported

SUBJECT:

“Subject 1”; Male/Black; 37 years old

SUBJECT’S
INJURIES:

Two gunshots to the left chest, three gunshots to the torso, one
gunshot to the left arm, one gunshot to the left thigh, and one
gunshot to the left lower back; Fatal.

DATE/TIME:

11 May 2014, at approximately 0230 hours

LOCATION:

2 N. Lotus Avenue (sidewalk)

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
SUMMARY OF INCIDENT
This investigation, in conjunction with the information gained through the
investigation launched by the Chicago Police Department, revealed the following:
On 11 May 2014, at approximately 0230 hours, Police Officers A and B, were
working beat number “1562B,” in plainclothes and an unmarked vehicle. The officers
responded to a disturbance involving a large crowd in the area of Lotus Avenue and
Madison Street. Upon arrival, the officers, along with additional responding units,
worked to disperse a large group of individuals that were leaving a nearby barbershop
that was functioning as a nightclub on this date. Several patrons of the nightclub were
involved in an argument just west of Lotus Avenue on Madison Street. An unidentified
woman in the crowd pointed towards Subject 1 and indicated that Subject 1 had a
firearm. A nearby officer relayed the woman’s comment that Subject 1 had a firearm to
other officers in the area via radio, including Officer A and Officer B. The officers
observed Subject 1 with a firearm, and they observed Subject 1 attempting to tuck the
weapon into his waistband as he walked briskly towards his vehicle, which was parked
on Lotus Avenue just north of Madison Street.
Officer A announced his office, and ordered Subject 1 to stop and show his hands.
Subject 1 ignored Officer A’s commands and continued towards his vehicle. Officer A
moved in behind Subject 1 and attempted to secure Subject 1 by the back of his collar, at
which time Subject 1 spun towards Officer A and began to pull his firearm from his
waistband. Officer A pushed Subject 1 backwards and fired multiple shots from his
service weapon, striking Subject 1 several times. As Subject 1 fell to the ground, he
dropped a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Due to the large crowd still in the
immediate area, Officer A kicked the weapon away from Subject 1 and then immediately
secured the weapon. Subject 1 was transported to Loyola Hospital, where he later expired
from his injuries. Subject 1 was pronounced at 0437 hours.

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
INVESTIGATION:
The IPRA Preliminary Report and the Major Incident Notification Report
essentially related the same information as reported in the Summary of Incident of this
report.
Chicago Police Department Case, Case Supplementary, Tactical Response,
Officer’s Battery, and Crime Scene Processing Reports indicate Officer A was in
civilian dress investigating the report of a person with a gun on the date, time and
location of the incident. Subject 1 failed to follow Officer A’s verbal direction, pulled
away and fled from Officer A. When Officer A attempted to apprehend Subject 1,
Subject 1 turned towards Officer A while holding a gun. Officer A, in imminent fear of
battery, discharged his firearm, striking Subject 1 several times. Subject 1 was
transported to Loyola Hospital, where he later expired as a result of his injuries. The
scene was processed and multiple pieces of evidence, including the firearm reportedly
belonging to Subject 1, were collected.
The reports document Officer C, spoke with Subject 1 while on scene, prior to
EMS arrival, at which time Subject 1 informed Officer C “they handed me the gun and
told me to run.” 1
The documents indicate CPD Sergeant 1 rode with Subject 1 in the ambulance
from the scene of the shooting to Loyola Hospital, during which time Subject 1 informed
CPD Sergeant 1 that “some guy he didn’t know gave him the gun.” 2 Subject 1 also
informed CPD Sergeant 1 that a police officer told him to “drop the gun” 3 and that
Subject 1 was holding the gun in his hand at the time. It is further documented that this
exchange between CPD Sergeant 1 and Subject 1 was witnessed in part by Police Officer
D, and CFD Paramedic 1.
The reports further document Witness 1 informed CPD Detective 1, she had been
at a birthday party for Subject 1’s aunt at the barber shop located at Madison Street and
Lotus Street. Witness 1 told Subject 1, who was in the middle of the street with several
other individuals, that it was time to go. As Subject 1 ran towards Witness 1, he reached
into his right pocket to retrieve a packet of cigarettes for Witness 1. Witness 1 said “the
police in a circle shot” 4 Subject 1 as he was reaching for the cigarettes. Witness 1 stated
she heard five or more shots and saw Subject 1 fall to the ground before the police
relocated her to a nearby “police truck.” 5
The Evidence Technician Photographs depict the scene of the shooting from
various angles. The photographs include the shell casings, evidence markers, clothing,
and apparent blood evidence at the scene. Photographs were taken of Officer A as he was
1

Attachment 72, Page 38.
Id., at Page 34.
3
Id.
4
Id., at Page 26.
5
Id.
2

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
dressed on the date and time of the incident. The photographs also depict multiple
pictures of the Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol reportedly belonging to Subject 1.
Additional Evidence Technician Photographs depict Subject 1’s body at Loyola
Hospital, as well as his clothing.
The OEMC and PCAD reports were collected and made part of this case file.
Review of the aforementioned documents show no information that is inconsistent with
the facts as related by the involved and witness officers.
The Police Observation Devices (PODs) that were located in the immediate
vicinity of the incident did not depict any footage that is inconsistent with the facts as
related by the involved and witness officers.
IPRA Investigators conducted canvasses in an attempt to locate additional
witnesses and/or evidence. Aside from statements collected from witnesses already
referenced in this report, no additional information was discovered.
Attempts to contact known and potential witnesses proved to be fruitless.
Witness 3, Witness 1, Witness 4, Witness 5, and Witness 6 all failed to keep their
appointments, or outright refused to provide a statement concerning this incident.
Video footage from AutoZone surveillance cameras did not capture any of the
events related to this incident.
The Chicago Fire Department Ambulance Report documents EMS 4 was
dispatched to the scene at 0231 hours and arrived on the scene at 0242 hours. Upon
arrival to the scene, EMS 4 found Subject 1 to be suffering from multiple gunshot
wounds to his left arm, chest, and abdomen. Subject 1 was transported to Loyola
Hospital.
Loyola Hospital Medical Records indicate Subject 1 arrived at the hospital
suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Attempts to stabilize Subject 1 were
unsuccessful, and he ultimately expired at 0447 hours. The records further document an
autopsy was requested by the “police” 6 .
The Medical Examiner’s Report documents the postmortem examination of
Subject 1. The report indicates Subject 1 sustained two gunshots to the left side of his
chest, three gunshots to his torso, one gunshot to his left arm, one gunshot to his left
thigh, and one gunshot to his left lower back. The cause of death was multiple gunshot
wounds, and the manner of death was ruled a Homicide.
Illinois State Police (ISP) Forensic Science Laboratory Reports document the
examination of the recovered ballistic evidence, in comparison to the firearm belonging
to Officer A. Officer A’s firearm was found to be in proper firing condition. All of the
6

Attachment 61, Page 10.

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
ballistic evidence corresponds to Officer A’s Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, confirming Officer A
fired seven (7) times.
Additional ISP reports document the examination of the Glock 9mm
semiautomatic pistol, reportedly belonging to Subject 1, for latent prints. There were no
suitable latent impressions for comparison recovered from the pistol.
In her statement to IPRA on 11 May 2014, Witness 2 stated she was with her
friend, Witness 1, and Witness 1’s boyfriend, Subject 1. Witness 2 said they had been
attending a gathering at a barbershop on the date and time of this incident. Witness 2 and
Witness 1 began to walk across Madison Street towards their car, which was parked on
Lotus Street just north of Madison Street, after the gathering ended.
Witness 2 said a large group of people were involved in a commotion on the
southwest corner of Madison Street and Lotus Street. Witness 2 observed Subject 1
running from the large group of people, with at least one police officer following behind
him. Witness 2 stated Subject 1 ran past her, towards Lotus Street. Witness 2 stated she
only noticed Subject 1’s red shirt as he ran past her, and she could not recall observing
him holding a firearm as he ran past. Witness 2 related she heard several gunshots, but
did not see the shooting take place. Witness 2 said Witness 1 began yelling words to the
effect of, “they shot ‘em, [sic]” 7 at which time Witness 2 observed police officers
pushing Witness 1 away from where Subject 1 was now laying on the ground.
In his statement to IPRA on 11 May 2014, CPD Sergeant 2, related he was
responding to a battery in progress report in the area of 5400 W. Madison Street on the
date and time of this incident, when he observed a large group of people gathered in the
intersection of Madison Street and Lotus Street.
CPD Sergeant 2 stated he was speaking with the owner of the “In the Cut”
barbershop, while other officers, including Officer A and Officer B, were beginning to
disperse the crowd gathered at the intersection. CPD Sergeant 2 heard an announcement
on the radio that a person in the crowd had a gun, at which point CPD Sergeant 2 looked
towards the crowd and observed Subject 1 moving away from the crowd.
CPD Sergeant 2 saw Officer A pursue and attempt to apprehend Subject 1 by
grabbing the back of Subject 1’s shirt collar. CPD Sergeant 2 then observed Subject 1
shrug his shoulder to break free of Officer A’s grasp. CPD Sergeant 2 stated it appeared
Subject 1 was then retrieving an item from the left side of his waist as he turned towards
Officer A. CPD Sergeant 2 then heard multiple gunshots. CPD Sergeant 2 said he was
approximately 20-25 feet away at the time of the shots, and ran towards Officer A
immediately following the gunshots.
CPD Sergeant 2 then saw Subject 1 had fallen to the ground and that Subject 1
had apparently dropped a firearm as he fell. CPD Sergeant 2 related Officer A first kicked
the weapon out of Subject 1’s reach, and then picked the weapon up, as a crowd was
7

Attachment 26, Page 18, Line 12.

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
gathering in the immediate area. CPD Sergeant 2 said it did not appear Officer A had any
other options but to use deadly force against Subject 1.
In her statement to IPRA on 11 May 2014, Officer B, related she was
working a violence reduction initiative with her partner, Officer A, on the date and time
of this incident. Officer B stated she and Officer A were responding to a report of a
battery in progress in the area of 5400 W. Madison Street, when they observed a large
group of people gathered in the intersection of Madison Street and Lotus Street.
Officer A and Officer B were speaking to the individuals at the “In the Cut
Barbershop” regarding the report of a battery when one of the patrons pointed to the
group that was gathering in the intersection, and indicated that someone in the crowd was
potentially armed with a firearm.
Officer A and Officer B began to walk towards the crowd, as additional officers
were converging on the area. Officer B then observed Subject 1 standing near the crowd,
pointing a firearm in the direction of several people that were gathered at the intersection.
Officer B stated Subject 1 was holding his firearm in his left hand, with his arm raised to
shoulder level as he pointed the weapon at the persons in the crowd.
As additional officers began to drive towards the crowd of people, Subject 1
brought his weapon down to his side in an apparent effort to conceal it, and then turned to
walk across Madison Street away from the crowd. Officer B stated she and Officer A
began to run towards Subject 1, at which time Subject 1 began to run north on Lotus
Street. Officer B said that as he ran, Subject 1 had his left hand at or near his waistband.
Officer B stated Officer A grabbed Subject 1 by the back of his collar in an attempt to
apprehend him, at which time Subject 1 began to turn away from Officer A’s grasp.
As Subject 1 was turning, Officer B stated Subject 1 and Officer A crossed behind
a large utility box and a construction sign. Officer B said the aforementioned objects
obstructed her view, and she did not see what transpired next between Subject 1 and
Officer A. Officer B then heard and saw Officer A firing his weapon, causing Subject 1
to fall to the ground.
Officer B recalled observing a firearm on the ground next to where Subject 1 had
fallen. Officer A kicked the firearm away and then recovered it from the ground. Officer
B stated the recovery of the firearm was necessary due to a large crowd that was
converging upon the officer’s location.
In his statement to IPRA on 13 May 2014, Officer A related he was working a
violence reduction initiative with his partner, Officer B, on the date and time of this
incident. Officer A stated he and Officer B were responding to a battery in progress call
in the area of 5400 W. Madison Street, when they observed a large group of people
gathered in the intersection of Madison Street and Lotus Street.

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
Officer A related he, CPD Sergeant 2, and Officer B began to move towards the
crowd in an effort to disperse the individuals who appeared to be preparing to fight each
other. Officer A stated a call then came over the police radio regarding a person with a
gun in the 5400 block of W. Madison Street, which was immediately west of him.
Moments later, Officer B informed Officer A that a black male wearing a red
plaid shirt was in possession of a firearm. Officer A looked in the direction Officer B
indicted and observed Subject 1 moving away from the crowd, holding his left arm down
by his side. Officer A related he did not see the firearm, but understood Officer B had
observed it and was further under the belief that the subject was armed based on the way
he ran with his arm along his left side. Officer A began to run towards Subject 1, in an
effort to apprehend him. As he ran, Officer A drew his weapon and announced his office,
directing Subject 1 to stop.
Officer A caught up to Subject 1, grabbed the back of his collar, in an effort to
apprehend him, and yelled, “drop the gun!” At that time, Subject 1 lowered his shoulder
and began to turn counterclockwise towards Officer A. Officer A saw Subject 1 was
holding a black colored pistol in his left hand, and observed Subject 1 was now turning
towards him with the weapon. Based on Subject 1’s movement, Officer A stated he was
certain Subject 1 was in the process of pointing the firearm at him. At that time, in fear
for his life, Officer A began firing his weapon at Subject 1.
Officer A fired his weapon seven (7) times, striking Subject 1. Officer A stated
Subject 1 dropped his firearm as he fell to the ground. Officer A kicked the firearm away
from Subject 1’s reach, and then picked the weapon up off of the ground, as a large
crowd was beginning to converge on him and Subject 1. Officer A held the firearm in his
left hand, until relinquishing the weapon to Sergeant Goldsmith.

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 INDEPENDENT POLICE REVIEW AUTHORITY
Log #1069086/ U#14-13
CONCLUSION AND FINDING:
This investigation found that the use of deadly force by Officer A was in
compliance with Chicago Police Department policy. According to the Chicago Police
Department’s General Order 03-02-03, III:
A.

“a sworn member is justified in using force likely to cause death or great
bodily harm only when he or she reasonably believes that such force is
necessary:
1.

to prevent death or great bodily harm to the sworn member or to
another person, or:

2.

to prevent an arrest from being defeated by resistance or escape
and the sworn member reasonably believes that the person to be
arrested:
a. has committed or has attempted to commit a forcible felony
which involves the infliction, threatened infliction, or
threatened use of physical force likely to cause death or great
bodily harm or;
b. is attempting to escape by use of a deadly weapon or;
c. otherwise indicates that he or she will endanger human
life or inflict great bodily harm unless arrested without
delay.”

On 11 May 2014, Officer A and Officer B were responding to a disturbance in the
area of 5400 block of W. Madison Street, when they came in contact with Subject 1.
Officer B observed Subject 1 point a weapon at a crowd of people, and alerted Officer A
of her observation.
Officer A attempted to apprehend Subject 1 as he fled from the crowd. Subject 1
resisted apprehension, and turned towards Officer A while brandishing a Glock 9mm
semi-automatic pistol in his left hand. Officer A observed the weapon and observed that
Subject 1 was pointing it in his direction, at which time, in reasonable fear for his safety,
Officer A fired his service weapon at Subject 1.
The facts and circumstances surrounding this event show that Officer A was in
compliance with the statute, “to prevent death or great bodily harm to the sworn member
or to another person,” as he reasonably believed his life was in imminent danger when
Subject 1 turned towards him and pointed a firearm at him.

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