Civilian oversight agency seeking video of off-duty CPD detective shooting at suspected thieves in Irving Park

Just before 3 a.m. on Dec. 6, the off-duty detective called 9-1-1 and reported firing twice at “some auto theft” in the 2800 block of West Grace Street.

SHARE Civilian oversight agency seeking video of off-duty CPD detective shooting at suspected thieves in Irving Park
Inspector General Deborah Witzburg accuses a former Chicago Police officer of using CPD resources to operate an unlicensed security company in her office’s third quarter report.

Getty

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is asking for the public's help in locating video of an off-duty Chicago police detective firing at suspected thieves last month in Irving Park.

COPA released 9-1-1 calls from the shooting Thursday, but the agency said it has not identified or obtained any video of the incident.

Just before 3 a.m. on Dec. 6, the off-duty detective called 9-1-1 to report he had fired twice at “some auto theft” in the 2800 block of West Grace Street but did not believe anyone was hit.

The detective also told dispatchers someone had pulled a gun on him on the same block the night before.

A police department statement about the incident made no mention of an off-duty officer being involved. Police said they had responded to shots fired and made contact with a man who said he saw several people trying to steal a catalytic converter.

In the 9-1-1 call, the detective said he saw people arriving in a white Charger and attempting to steal a Hyundai on the street. The detective approached, identifying himself as a police officer, when someone in the car pointed a firearm in his direction, according to COPA.

After the detective opened fire, both cars fled the scene. It was unknown if the off-duty detective struck anyone.

No one has been charged in connection with the incident.

COPA has asked anyone with information or video footage to contact its office at 312-746-3609 or visit ChicagoCOPA.org.

The Latest
The acquisition of Tamarack Farms makes Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge a more impactful destination and creates within Hackmatack a major macrosite for conservation.
The man was found unresponsive in an alley in the 10700 block of South Lowe Avenue, police said.
The man suffered head trauma and was pronounced dead at University of Chicago Medical Center, police said.
Another federal judge in Chicago who also has dismissed gun cases based on the same Supreme Court ruling says the high court’s decision in what’s known as the Bruen case will “inevitably lead to more gun violence, more dead citizens and more devastated communities.”
Women make up just 10% of those in careers such as green infrastructure and clean and renewable energy, a leader from Openlands writes. Apprenticeships and other training opportunities are some of the ways to get more women into this growing job sector.