Cop Shoots Driver in Markham

MARKHAM, IL -- A police officer shot a driver overnight in Markham. The incident occurred during a traffic stop near 167th and Western in the south suburb overnight. It resulted from the motorist attempting to flee, according to a police account.

The officer was helping with a traffic stop at the location when the motorist attempted to flee and "dragged" the officer, according to a report from the Chicago Tribune. A report from WGN indicates the incident occurred around 1:15 a.m.

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Markham Police Chief Mack Sanders said in a statement to the Tribune that the officer discharged his weapon and struck the driver as a result of the dragging. Both the police officer and driver have been taken to area hospitals. The driver is in critical condition, according to a report from Lauren Petty of NBC on Twitter.

Chief: A Markham police officer shoots a man during a traffic stop near 167th & Western overnight. Victim is critical, cop being evaluated. pic.twitter.com/NjC0EYzEzf
— Lauren Petty (@LaurenPettyNBC) May 5, 2017

167th Street between Western and California Avenue was blocked off to traffic as late as 6 a.m. as a result of police activity connected to the incident.

Closed due to police activity in #Markham on 167th St WB from Western Ave to California Ave #traffic #Chicago https://t.co/GCesNZoWap
— TTNChicago (@TotalTrafficCHI) May 5, 2017

This is a developing story. Check back here for updates.

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