Driver killed in struggle with Oak Park officer during traffic stop: police
OAK PARK - A driver is dead after being shot by an Oak Park police officer during a struggle over a firearm following a traffic stop Sunday night, authorities said.
What we know:
The shooting occurred about 9:10 p.m. near Harrison Street and Austin Boulevard, according to Oak Park police.
Police said an officer stopped a black SUV and asked the driver, the vehicle's sole occupant, to exit. During a pat-down, the officer discovered the driver was armed, authorities said.
A struggle then broke out over control of the firearm. During the altercation, the driver gained possession of the weapon and the officer fired his service weapon, striking the driver, police said.
Officers rendered first aid at the scene before the driver was transported to Loyola University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:59 p.m.
The officer was also taken to Loyola University Medical Center for treatment of injuries and was released before 6 a.m. Monday, police said.
Investigators recovered a firearm with a defaced serial number at the scene.
What we don't know:
Authorities have not released the driver's identity pending notification of family members. Police also have not said why the vehicle was initially stopped.
The officer's identity will be released in accordance with department policy, police said.
What's next:
The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is investigating the shooting.
The Source: The information in this article was provided by the Oak Park Police Department.