Crime & Safety
Chicago Police Officer Killed By Gunman While On Duty: Authorities
The officer, a five-year veteran of the department, was struck multiple times and died at Mt. Sinai Hospital, according to authorities.
CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago police officer was shot and killed Wednesday on the city’s southwest side, according to authorities.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office identified the officer as 32-year-old Andres Vasquez-Lasso.
The officer responded shortly before 5 p.m. to the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue for a report of an armed person chasing a female down the street, authorities said at a news conference streamed on Facebook Live by WGN.
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The gunman fled law enforcement, who pursued him at close range, according to Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown, who said the armed man shot Vasquez-Lasso “without warning or notice” and the officer returned fire.
Vasquez-Lasso, a five-year veteran of the department, was struck multiple times and died at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Brown said, adding the gunman was shot in the head and is in critical condition.
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Steven Montano, 18, of the 2500 block of South Lawndale Avenue, is charged with first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm, assault and interfering with reporting domestic violence, police said Thursday.
“I ask that this city cover this officer’s family,” Brown said. “This is a family of public servants and as you can imagine they are taking this tragedy very, very hard.”
On Thursday, the Chicago Police Department released a photo of the slain officer, referring to him as "our hero".
"He died while protecting Chicago and its people," the department said in a social media post. "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."
The gunman is 18 and has a minimal criminal history, according to Brown, who said the investigation is ongoing and body camera footage is being reviewed.
“This is a terrible tragedy for our city, and we are mourning along with the officer’s family,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said at the news conference.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability confirmed it was responding to the shooting and asked anyone with information to call 312-743-3609.
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