Charges Announced In South Shore Shooting That Left 2 Officers And Suspect Injured

The suspect was shot in the abdomen after he opened fire on two Chicago police officers after fleeing a traffic stop, CPD said.

By Lorraine Swanson, Patch Staff

Jul 6, 2026 9:17 am CDT

The suspect was shot in the abdomen after he opened fire on two Chicago police officers after fleeing a traffic stop, CPD said. (Lorraine Swanson | Patch)

CHICAGO—Two police officers were shot late Friday afternoon during a struggle with a man who had fled a traffic stop in South Shore, the Chicago Police Department said in a preliminary statement.

A 34-year-old man, Malik Wrightsell, is charged with multiple felonies: attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated assault of peave officer with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a repeat felon, possession of a weapon by a felon, and resisting/obstructing a peace officer/firefighter/correctional institute employee. Wrightsell was also cited for driving/operating a non-highway vehicle.

The incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. Friday. Officers were conducting a traffic stop in the 2000 block of East 79th Street when police said the driver, later identified as Wrightsell, fled from the officers.

The officers engaged in a foot pursuit where they caught up with Wrightsell in the 7900 block of South Chapell Avenue. When the officers tried to take the man into custody, a struggle ensued. Police said Wrightsell was able to grab one of the officers’ guns.

The first shot fired was at an officer’s chest, whose protective vest stopped the bullet. The officer returned fire, striking Wrightsell in the abdomen. As the officers continued trying to take Wrightsell into custody, police said the second officer was shot in the arm.

Responding officers rendered aid to the alleged shooter and to the wounded officers. Wrightsell was taken to Northwestern Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and is listed in critical condition.

Both officers were taken to an area hospital, where they were listed in good condition. A firearm was recovered on the scene.

The CPD Investigative Response Team is investigating the circumstances involving the incident. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was notified. The investigation is ongoing.

The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on routine administrative duties for a minimum period of 30 days, CPD said.

No additional information is available.