The person shot and killed following what Chicago police called an “armed confrontation” with officers early Monday has been identified as a 13-year-old boy.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability, which is investigating the shooting, on Thursday said Adam Toledo, 13, was the person killed by a Chicago police officer in the Little Village neighborhood just after 2:30 a.m. Monday.
“While COPA is in the very early stages of this investigation, it has been determined that officers were responding to the area as a result of shots fired and encountered two suspects,” COPA said in a statement. “Both individuals fled resulting in a foot pursuit by Chicago Police Department officers.”
The CPD said Monday that an “armed confrontation” between police and a suspect occurred in an alley in the 2300 block of South Spaulding Avenue following that foot chase. One person was taken into custody, while Toledo was shot in the chest and was pronounced dead on the scene.
A Chicago police spokesman on Monday released a photo of a firearm police said they recovered on the scene.
The officer discharged his weapon once, according to COPA, which said the events were captured on the officer’s body camera. He has been placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days as a result of the shooting.
Due to Toledo’s age, COPA said it is unable to release that video or any others involving juveniles.
But other materials relating to the shooting, including 911 calls, tactical response and incident reports, will be released within 60 days of the shooting, COPA said.
“COPA’s (sic) is committed to a full and thorough investigation into the officer’s use of deadly force to determine if their actions were in accordance with Department policy and training and asks for the public’s patience,” the office said in a statement.
Toledo was the first of two people killed by Chicago police in shootings this week. Another person was shot and killed early Wednesday in the 5200 block of West Eddy Street.
Police Superintendent David Brown in a statement Thursday said his “greatest fear” on the job is “a deadly encounter between one of our own and a juvenile.”
“Unfortunately, this fear became a reality earlier this week,” Brown said. “Any loss of life is tragic, especially when it involves youth. On behalf of the entire Chicago Police Department, I extend my condolences to the family of the juvenile, who was fatally shot by a Chicago Police officer.”
Brown said the officer’s “split-second decision” to use deadly force “is extremely difficult for any officer, and is always a heavy burden to bear.” He also said his department is “adamantly call(ing) for the release of any and all video” related to the shooting, including the body camera footage.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431