CHICAGO, IL — An attempted carjacking on the Far South Side of Chicago escalated into a shootout between the suspects and an off-duty Chicago Police Department officer early Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on the 10800 block of South Campbell Avenue. According to police reports, the off-duty officer was confronted by armed offenders, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Fortunately, the officer was not injured in the confrontation.

Surveillance footage from a nearby home security camera captured the scene, showing a dark-colored vehicle speeding down the street followed by the sounds of gunfire. Shortly after, one of the suspects was seen fleeing the area on foot.

Initial police response found the suspects’ vehicle, riddled with bullet holes, abandoned nearby. The car was believed to have been stolen from Lansing and potentially linked to other criminal activities in the vicinity. Evidence markers and shell casings were scattered around the scene as investigators gathered information.

Alderman Matt O’Shea, who personally knows the involved officer, described him as a dedicated family man with 25 years of service, who also coaches youth sports teams. The neighborhood of West Beverly, where the incident took place, is known for its large population of Chicago firefighters and police officers.

One suspect was taken into custody but was later released. Authorities are still searching for additional suspects who reportedly fled the scene.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is conducting an investigation into the incident, as per standard protocol. The off-duty officer involved has been placed on a paid 30-day administrative leave during the investigation.

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