A file photo shows a crime scene blocked off by the Chicago Police Department. (WTTW News)
The office tasked with investigating Chicago police shootings said it has been temporarily barred from releasing body camera videos and other materials related to a March incident that left two officers and another man injured.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability said a court order published Wednesday is preventing the release of any materials stemming from the non-fatal March 28 shooting of 28-year-old James Callion.
“COPA remains committed to transparency and the release of video and other materials as outlined within the City’s Video Release Policy,” the office said in a statement. “Upon authorization, COPA will facilitate the prompt release of all required materials.”
As part of its investigations into cases involving police use of force, COPA typically publishes body camera footage, audio from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications and police reports stemming from individual incidents.
But in a one-page order, Cook County Judge Sophia Atcherson ordered that COPA and the city of Chicago not to release those materials “during the pendency of the criminal matter.” A judge made a similar order last year that temporarily prevented the release of videos stemming from the killing of Officer Ella French.
This shooting occurred at around 9:15 p.m. in the 800 block of South Sacramento Boulevard on the city’s West Side.
Callion was driving in that area when Chicago police officers attempted to pull him over for a minor traffic violation, Cook County prosecutors said during a bond hearing days after the incident.
After officers saw a handgun inside Callion’s vehicle, he allegedly drove forward and pinned one officer between his vehicle and a police squad car. Prosecutors alleged he also fired at other officers, striking one in the hand, while he himself was shot multiple times by police.
Callion survived and was later charged with multiple felonies, including three counts of attempted first-degree murder. He has been ordered held without bail and remains at the Cook County Jail while his case is pending.
Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431
