The police officer who was tragically shot while performing his job on Wednesday afternoon in the city’s Gage Park neighbourhood on the Southwest Side was recognised by the Chicago Police Department earlier on Thursday.
Andres Vasquez-Lasso, 32, was the policeman from the Eighth District who was killed, according to authorities.
“We are heartbroken,” Chicago Police Supt. David Brown said during a press conference Wednesday. “Policing is a big family. People know at some point they may be asked to make the ultimate sacrifice. But you never wish or hope that it actually happens. And tonight, this tragedy did.”
According to authorities, a probe is ongoing, and responding officers’ body camera footage is presently being examined.
Here is what we know about the deceased officer as additional information about the incident comes to light:
Andres Vasquez-Lasso, who recently marked five years with the agency, was married, according to information provided by Brown on Wednesday.
Brown added that the department had been working to inform the officer’s family about what had happened. The officer has family in Colombia and other countries.
Brown said on Wednesday, “We always ask that you all please respect this family. We’ll have more information on this offer later, but for now, we’re going to follow the family’s comfort level in disclosing further information about the officer.
“This is a family of public servants, and as you can imagine, they are taking this tragedy very hard,” Brown added.
“He died while protecting Chicago and it’s people,” the police department said in a statement Thursday. “We will never forget his selflessness and dedication as we continue to wrap our arms around his family and loved ones. Together, we mourn the loss of our hero.”
Several Chicago police officers and emergency personnel lined the streets late on Wednesday and escorted an ambulance transporting the deceased officer’s body from Mount Sinai Hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office.
When and Where The Officer Was Shot
Authorities report that on Wednesday at 4:43 p.m., police from the Eighth District responded to a domestic-related call about a person brandishing a firearm in the city’s Gage Park neighborhood’s 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue.
When police came, one group proceeded to a house’s front door, but the suspect was discovered on foot by a second squad car, according to authorities.
The suspect, who was armed, started running as officers exited the squad car, according to the authorities.
Shots were exchanged at close range, according to Brown. Authorities claim that the officer was struck several times.
According to Brown, the officer shot back, hitting the man in the head. The victim was then sent in critical condition to a neighbouring hospital.
The cop, according to Brown, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
“The investigation is ongoing,” Brown said, noting that body camera footage, ballistic evidence and other video is currently being reviewed. Additionally, the use of force in the incident is being investigated by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Brown said.
