Armed teen shot by Chicago police officer in Chicago Lawn, officials say

A Chicago police officer shot an armed teenager in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood early Sunday morning, officials said.

Three officers were “conducting an investigation” when they approached a group of people standing near an alley in the 7200 block of South Artesian Avenue about 1:50 a.m., according to statements from Chicago police and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

As the group attempted to flee, an officer noticed one of them had a firearm, COPA said.

The officer fired shots and hit the person multiple times, police and COPA said. Police did not say the suspect fired his weapon.

A male teenager was taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt said. His condition was stabilized, Merritt said.

Police did not release the person’s age. Merritt did not have the child’s exact age but said he was 15 or younger because he was taken to a pediatric trauma center.

Police said two guns were recovered: a pistol with an extended magazine and a rifle, according to photos posted to social media by police spokesman Tom Ahern.

An officer was taken to a hospital for observation and was in good condition, police said.

“COPA investigators reviewed and have obtained video footage from the incident, and we can confirm body-worn camera of the officer captures the shooting,” said COPA First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy.

COPA will release the video within 60 days of each incident unless prohibited by court order or the Juvenile Court Act.

The officer who fired shots will be put on administrative duties for 30 days, per department policy, police said.