Teen Charged With Murder In Chicago Cop's Fatal Shooting: Police

CHICAGO, IL — An 18-year-old Chicago man has been charged in the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old city police officer, authorities said.

Steven Montano, 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.

Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso was responding shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday to a report of an armed person chasing a female down the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue, when a gunman who was fleeing authorities shot the officer “without warning or notice,” Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said Wednesday at a press conference streamed by WGN.

Vasquez-Lasso, a five-year veteran of the department, was struck multiple times and died at Mt. Sinai Hospital, Brown said. The officer returned fire and struck the gunman in the head, according to Brown, who said Wednesday that the shooter was in critical condition.

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."

Montano, who Brown said Wednesday had a minimal criminal history, is set to appear Friday in bond court, according to police.