CHICAGO, IL—A 19-year-old man fired gunshots at two police officers in the Homan Square neighborhood on the west side of Chicago on Sunday, August 30. The suspect was also wounded during a running shootout with a third police officer.
On Monday, August 31, officials from the Chicago Police Department announced that Jeffon Williams, 19, was charged with seven counts of attempted murder and one count of aggravated assault of a police officer.
According to the CPD, two police officers pulled a vehicle over in 3300 block of West Polk Street at 2:30 a.m. They spotted a gun inside the vehicle. Officers ordered Williams who was inside the vehicle to get out, but he did not comply. Brendan Deenihan, the Chief of Detectives for the CPD said during a press conference, the two police officers had to break the car’s window to get the suspect out.
“He did not comply. He is refusing to come out of the car. He is extremely close to the gun,” said Deenihan.
After a struggle ensued, the suspect fired multiple gunshots and struck the two officers. A third police officer returned fire and struck Williams. Williams is currently hospitalized at Loyola University Medical Center where he is listed in critical condition.
Authorities indicate that both injured officers were transported to Stroger Hospital. One officer was wounded in the chest, side, and back. He is hospitalized in serious condition. Another officer was struck in the chest and shoulder. He is currently listed good condition, and has been released from the hospital.
David Brown, the Chicago Police Superintendent, said via Twitter that, “Just this year, 10 Chicago Police officers have been shot and 41 officers have had shots fired at them. Let’s not lose sight of the courage our officers show as they risk their own safety to protect this city.”
