FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2024
COPA RELEASES VIDEO & OTHER MATERIALS FROM OFF-DUTY WEAPONS DISCHARGE AT AN ANIMAL NEAR 500 W. 29th STREET
Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is releasing video and other materials related to an off-duty weapons discharge at an animal near 500 W. 29th Street. COPA investigators responded to the scene the next day and began the investigation.
On April 21, 2024, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) notified COPA of an off-duty weapons discharge at an animal. Preliminary information indicates this incident began when an off-duty police officer was walking their dog and encountered another dog who had escaped its owner’s home. The escaped dog began to engage the off-duty officer’s dog, and the owner of the escaped dog attempted to assist in separating the animals. Shortly after, the off-duty officer drew their weapon and fired one shot at the dog as the owner was regaining control. The discharge by the off-duty officer fatally wounded the dog, no other person was struck as a result.
“Based upon the serious nature of the incident, COPA recommends that CPD evaluate the current assignment of the officer and whether administrative duties or relief of powers is warranted during the pendency of this investigation.” said First Deputy Chief Administrator Ephraim Eaddy. “COPA determined this case qualifies for release under the City of Chicago’s Video Release Policy, Section III. (A) (1), which covers incidents “in which a CPD officer discharges his or her firearm in a manner that strikes, or that potentially could strike, another individual…”
COPA serves as the designated agency for the City of Chicago authorized to release video and other materials per the Consent Decree and the City’s Video Release Policy. Related to this officer involved shooting incident, COPA has released to its website: third-party video, OEMC Transmissions, Case Incident and Tactical Response reports, which can be viewed by visiting: https://www.chicagocopa.org/case/2024-0003540/
If anyone has information or video footage related to this incident, please contact our office at 312-746-3609 or by visiting ChicagoCOPA.org.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Rottner – Director of News Affairs
Ph: 312-720-8560 / Email: jennifer.rottner@chicagocopa.org