Cop Who Shot 'Drag Racer' Claims He Couldn't Get Out Of Way

CHICAGO, IL -- An Alsip police officer shot a drag racer early Wednesday morning after he disobeyed police orders by driving toward the officer and hitting two squad cars, police said. Two officers suffered minor injuries. The officer who fired his gun has been placed on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation.

The driver has been identified as Jamal Campbell, 25, of Chicago, who's in stable condition at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with two gunshot wounds. Campbell is said to have a history of violence and current has a warrant out for his arrest in Indiana for dangerous drugs, police said. (SUBSCRIBE: Get Real-Time Alerts and a Daily Newsletter for Alsip-Crestwood)

Based on preliminary information, around 2:04 a.m. Oct. 3, officers investigating a report of reckless driving in a residential neighborhood, saw a silver Dodge Challenger and a black Cadillac drag racing through David Estates in Alsip. Police searched for the vehicles and pulled into the Midpointe Apartments parking lot, located in the 4000 block of 115th Street, just over the Alsip-Chicago border on Pulaski Road.

>>> Suspect Shot, Wounded By Alsip Police Near 115th And Pulaski

Police found an idling black Cadillac facing the officer’s squad car. The officers got out of their vehicle and ordered Campbell and the passenger to raise their hands. Police said that Campbell disobeyed the officers’ orders. Campbell allegedly started driving the Cadillac toward one of the officers, who was standing between his squad and a row of parked cars. The Alsip police officer claimed that he couldn’t get out of the way and fired several rounds at the driver. The Cadillac allegedly plowed into several tenants’ vehicles as well as two squad cars.

The officer administered medical aid to Campbell until an ambulance arrived.

The investigation remains ongoing and evolving as investigators analyze forensic evidence, interview witnesses, and review physical and electronic records. Alsip police said in a statement that facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected.

The shooting is being investigated by Chicago police, since it happened in CPD’s jurisdiction. Alsip Police Chief Jay Miller has requested an independent review by the Illinois State Police to avoid any appearance of a potential conflict of interest.

As is standard protocol for all officer-involved shootings, the officers are on administrative leave pending the results of an investigation. This is the first officer-involved shooting for both officers. They have good records with the department and have received commendations for their work over the years.

Miller said this is the first officer-involved shooting for both officers. Both have good records with the department and have received commendations for their work over the years.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police department tip line at 708-385-6902 Ext. 272.

A black Cadillac said to be involved in a police-involved shooting ran into several parked cars and two squads during the early morning hours of Oct. 3, 2018. | Photos provided by Alsip PD