Western Springs Cop Shows Empathy To Suspect

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A Western Springs police officer was credited with showing compassion for a shoplifting suspect last year.

In early November, Officer Christoper Barajas responded to a retail theft call and found the suspect shortly after, Police Chief Sean Gilhooley told the Village Board this week.

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"Discovering that the theft stemmed from genuine need rather than criminal intent, he exercised empathy and discretion by returning to the store, personally purchasing food to make restitution," the chief said.

Barajas, who started in 2022, also helped the person find social services.

The officer's compassion, the chief said, "just shows you how we're a well-rounded police department, customer-service oriented, community policing-oriented, and we do good, solid police work as well."

Gilhooley recognized Barajas while presenting the 2025 annual report to the Village Board.