Man shot to death by cops after gunfire hits squad car in Pilsen; family seeks answers

An alleged gunman was shot and killed by Chicago cops Monday night in Pilsen after he allegedly opened fire on the officers, striking a police car.

Officers responded at 10:45 p.m. to a call of a “suspicious person” in the 1300 block of West 19th Street and found five people on a sidewalk, Deputy Chief Daniel O’Shea said Tuesday at the scene.

As the officers got out of their vehicle, shots were fired in their direction, striking their vehicle, he said.

Jermaine Nolen/Sun-Times

The officers returned fire, striking one suspect in the back of his head, O’Shea said.

Miguel Vega was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead, police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said.

He was a father of two children, according to an online fundraising page set up in his name.

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His family pushed back on the CPD’s version of events, saying, “Neighbors and people who witnessed the crime first hand are coming forward and have contradicting versions as to what really happened.”

Vega’s family didn’t respond to an interview request Tuesday.

Two people were arrested after the encounter, but they were later released from custody, police said.

Police shared a photo of the alleged shooter’s handgun, which appeared to have an extended magazine.

No officers were struck by gunfire.

The shooting comes a day after two officers were shot after being ambushed by a man who allegedly hid in the trunk of his car during a West Side traffic stop.

The officers involved will be placed on administrative duties for 30 days, police said.

Contributing: Sam Charles

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