Chicago cop shot in Englewood, investigation underway

CHICAGO - A Chicago police officer was shot in the hand Monday night on the city's South Side, according to officials.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. in the 5600 block of South Shields Avenue in Englewood, 7th District police officers attempted a traffic stop, according to Interim CPD Superintendent Fred Waller.

The 37-year-old officer was subsequently shot in the left hand and was transported by his partner to the University of Chicago Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, officials said.

Police said the offenders fled the scene and currently remain at-large.

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During a news conference Monday night, Waller did not specify who fired the weapon that struck the injured officer, saying that the investigation is in its preliminary stages. He also noted that body camera footage will need to be reviewed.

Waller said he spoke with the officer, who is in "good spirits."

Englewood residents told FOX 32 Chicago a group had been gathering in the neighborhood, with some men playing basketball nearby. Officers arrived and attempted a traffic stop, but witnesses said the man quickly drove off and shots were fired.

Witnesses added that they did not see the man inside the vehicle fire a weapon, and believe the officer shot was injured by friendly fire. Police have not yet shared details about how the officer sustained the gunshot wound.

Two other officers were transported to the hospital on Monday night, but they were not shot, according to the Chicago Fire Department, and are in good condition. It’s unclear what injuries they sustained, and if those injuries were related to the officer-involved shooting.

No further information was immediately available.