A 23-year-old man was critically injured Saturday morning following a shootout with Chicago police in the West Rogers Park neighborhood on the city’s Far North Side, according to authorities.
Police responded to reports of a shooting in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue around 9:35 a.m., Chicago police Deputy Chief Kevin Bruno said during a Saturday afternoon news conference.
A gunman—the same man police believe later shot at officers—approached a 39-year-old man from behind as he was walking down the street and shot him in the shoulder, Bruno said. Just before 10 a.m., the gunman re-emerged from an alley and fired shots at officers and paramedics, ultimately hitting an ambulance. For the next two and a half minutes, Bruno said the man popped out of various locations, exchanging shots with officers.
During the final encounter in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue, according to Bruno, officers shot the man multiple times. He was taken to Ascension Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston in critical condition. No police officers or paramedics were injured in the shootout.
The 39-year-old victim was treated and released at the hospital, Bruno said, adding that neighbors also attempted to help the victim after he was shot.
“It’s just great to see the community step in and officer assistance,” he said.
Bruno said the motive behind the initial shooting remains under investigation. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability also announced that started an investigation.
