Update on Police Shooting Incident

JANUARY 27, 2022

To: Members of the University Community
From: Eric Heath, Associate Vice President for Safety and Security
Subject: Update on Police Shooting Incident
Date: January 19, 2022

I am writing with updates on the shooting that we reported yesterday, involving an officer with the University of Chicago Police Department. The suspect, who is unaffiliated with the University, is currently in critical condition at the University of Chicago Medical Center. We are gathering more information on these events, including video, and will share updates as they become available.

At about 11:43 a.m. on January 18, 2022, an officer with the University of Chicago Police Department who was driving north on S. Woodlawn Ave. saw an individual walking south on Woodlawn near 53rd St., with a handgun drawn. The officer stopped his patrol car just south of 53rd St. The suspect fired shots, and the UCPD officer took cover and repeatedly instructed the suspect to get on the ground. The officer fired his weapon at the suspect as the suspect advanced in the direction of the officer. The suspect was struck by a bullet and continued advancing with his weapon drawn; the officer shot the suspect again. UCPD rendered medical aid before the suspect was transported by ambulance to the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Upholding the safety of the University community and our South Side neighbors is a paramount priority. Investigations into the shooting are underway by UCPD as well as the Chicago Police Department. We will make video footage of the incident publicly available as soon as possible. *

*Update – January 19, 2022 at 4:00 PM CT.

UCPD is releasing the following videos from the shooting:

  • View from officer’s body-worn camera (with audio), 11:43 a.m. Officer instructs suspect to “get on the ground” then fires his weapon. Suspect points a handgun at the officer at 0:14.

  • North-looking view from business-owned security camera (no audio) shows suspect walking south on S. Woodlawn Ave at 11:42 a.m., handgun drawn. Suspect raises handgun in the air and appears to fire.

  • Kimbark Plaza South View – 1 minute 1 second

  • South-looking view from business-owned security camera (no audio) shows suspect walking south on S. Woodlawn Ave. at 11:43 a.m., handgun drawn. Suspect enters frame at 0:27 on top right side of video. Suspect advances toward the officer and is struck by officer’s fire.*

* Update – January 27, 2022 at 4:45 PM CT.

UCPD is releasing the following video from the shooting:

  • Full-length video from the officer’s body-worn camera.

Related