FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2022
COPA PROVIDES UPDATE ON VIDEO & OTHER MATERIALS OBTAINED RELATED
TO THE DEATH OF MS. IRENE CHAVEZ WHILE IN CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 3RD
DISTRICT CUSTODY
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has identified and obtained additional body worn camera video of responding officers related to the death of Ms. Irene Chavez, which occurred December 18, 2021, following a medical emergency while in custody at the 3rd District Police Station.
Ms. Chavez was arrested after being involved in an incident which occurred at the Jeffery Pub Tavern located at 7041 S. Jeffery Boulevard.
COPA received notification from the Department of an attempted suicide by Ms. Chavez at a 3rd District Tactical Office on December 18, 2021, at 3:20am. Ms. Chavez was then transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition. COPA later received an updated notification from the Department that Ms. Chavez was deceased at 11:30am.
Although this incident does not mandate release of video and other materials under the City’s Video Release Policy, COPA’s Chief Administrator has discretion to release materials in cases of great public interest. As part of COPA’s continued commitment to transparency, Chief Administrator, Andrea Kersten, has determined materials in this investigation will be released within 60 days of the incident.
COPA remains in close contact with family and will provide updates as the investigation proceeds. The investigation into this incident is ongoing and once concluded, COPA will release the Summary Report of Investigation in accordance with Municipal Ordinance.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ephraim Eaddy ephraim.eaddy@chicagocopa.org 312-771-3718