Three Chicago police officers were shot Monday night on the city’s West Side during an investigation into possible narcotics activity, authorities said.
All three sustained “lower-body injuries” that are not life-threatening, Interim Police Superintendent John Escalante told reporters at a press conference.
Officers from the city’s 11th District Tactical Unit were keeping an eye on a courtyard when they saw a male and a female, who were under investigation, at the scene, Escalante said.
When police approached and tried to speak with them, the man produced a handgun and started shooting at them.
The male was killed, while the female was not struck. Escalante said authorities are interviewing her.
Escalante described the three who were struck as “veteran officers” who each have 10 to 12 years of experience on the job.
“Tonight we were reminded of the dangers that our police face, and the bravery that they routinely display as three of our officers were shot in line of duty,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. “The thoughts and prayers of our entire city are with the officers and their families during this difficult time.”
Emanuel could be seen talking with police outside the hospital where the officers were being treated.
The incident comes a day after a Maryland police officer was shot and killed after a gunman opened fire on a police station.
An autopsy later revealed that the officer, Jacai Colson, was killed by friendly fire.
More than 100 officers were shot in the line of duty in 2015; 42 of them were killed.
