A late-night traffic stop on Chicago’s West Side led to a police-involved shooting Monday, launching an independent review despite no reported injuries and the swift arrest of a fleeing suspect.
According to police, the encounter unfolded shortly before 11 p.m. in the 500 block of North Fifth Avenue in the Austin neighborhood. Officers had pulled over a vehicle in connection with an alleged traffic offense when one officer discharged a firearm. Authorities have yet to release what prompted the shooting or whether a threat was perceived at the time.
The driver, described as a male suspect, reportedly ran from the stop moments after shots were fired. Additional officers located and detained him a short time later without further confrontation. No civilians or officers were injured.
As protocol, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability opened an investigation and is now analyzing footage from body-worn cameras and other video sources. Officials noted that key factors – including the initial reason for the stop, the actions of the suspect, and whether a weapon was involved – remain under review.
Police confirmed the involved officer will be reassigned to administrative duties for 30 days, a standard step following any shooting that involves a department member.
The incident marks the first reported case in 2026 of a Chicago officer discharging a weapon during an encounter.
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