Chicago police mourn officer shot, killed in line of duty in Gage Park

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Police Department is mourning one of its own after an officer was killed in the line of duty Wednesday.

Wednesday night, first responders and citizens lined city streets for blocks to pay their respects as dozens of police cars escorted the body of the fallen officer from Mount Sinai Hospital to the medical examiner’s office.

The officer was shot on Chicago’s Southwest Side in an exchange of gunfire with a man accused of chasing a woman down the street with a gun. The suspect was also shot and is hospitalized.

The shooting unfolded Wednesday at around 4:45 p.m. in the 5200-block of South Spaulding Avenue.

WATCH: CPD update on officer killed in Gage Park

Officers were responding to a call of a person chasing a woman down the street with a gun. Police said as officers knocked on doors, another responding officer encountered the armed suspect who began running.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said officers began to chase him at close range.

Then immediately and without warning, police said the suspect shot at the officer. That officer was able to return fire.

WATCH: Body of fallen police officer arrives at Medical Examiner’s office

Brown said the officer who was killed was shot multiple times and the 18-year-old suspect was shot in the head. He is in critical condition.

“I ask that this city cover this officer’s family. This is a family of public servants and as you can imagine, they are taking this tragedy, very, very hard,” Brown said.

“Our hearts go out to this young officer’s family,” Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. “We need to lift them up in our prayers, wrap our arms around them as they go through this journey of grief and loss.”

Meanwhile, a somber procession took place Wednesday night with dozens of police cars escorting that officer’s body to the medical examiner’s office.

First responders and citizens lining the streets to salute the ambulance as it went by.

There was also a massive police presence at Mt. Sinai hospital with officers gathering there to show their support.

The officer’s name has not yet been released, but Brown said he was only on the force for about five years. The officer was based in CPD’s Eighth District.

The suspect is 18 years old and does not have an extensive criminal history, Brown said.

Chicago mayoral candidate Paul Vallas released a statement, saying in part, “The courageous men and women of the Chicago police department have suffered another tragic loss of one of their own to the ultimate sacrifice of protecting our communities. My heartfelt thoughts are with the officer’s loved ones and the entire CPD family who are grieving during this difficult time.”

Chicago mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson released a statement, saying, “This is a sad and sorrowful day for our city, and my heart goes out to the family, friends and colleagues of the Chicago police officer whose life was taken in the line of duty in Gage Park this afternoon. I am praying for healing for all those close as we await further details on this tragedy.”

The last Chicago police officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty was Ofc. Ella French.

Officer Golden was shot while off-duty last summer. He was trying to break up a fight outside a bar in Beverly.

Officer Golden was paralyzed in that shooting.

Governor J-B Pritzker also reacted to this tragedy late Wednesday night, tweeting “Our hearts mourn the loss of the Chicago Police officer who made the ultimate sacrifice”.

“My deepest sympathies are with the officer’s family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time. His service will not be forgotten.”

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability will be conducting an investigation into the police shooting. Brown said body-worn camera footage is being reviewed.

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