CPD Releases Bodycam Video of Fatal North Side Police Shooting

Chicago police released body camera footage Tuesday of a fatal officer-involved shooting on the North Side that has drawn criticism from the victim’s family, who say the use of deadly force was not justified.

The shooting occurred during what CPD described as a domestic disturbance call in the 2400 block of North Lincoln Avenue. Officers responded to reports of an armed individual threatening family members, according to preliminary police reports.

The bodycam footage shows two officers approaching a residential building when they encounter a male subject in the hallway. Audio from the video captures officers repeatedly ordering the man to drop what appears to be a knife.

“Drop the weapon now,” one officer can be heard shouting multiple times before gunshots ring out. The entire encounter lasted less than 90 seconds from initial contact to the shooting.

The victim, whose identity has not been officially released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at Illinois Masonic Medical Center approximately one hour after the shooting.

Family members who viewed the footage at the Civilian Office of Police Accountability disputed the police version of events. They claim the victim posed no immediate threat to officers and questioned whether less lethal options were considered.

“This didn’t have to happen,” a family spokesperson said during a Tuesday afternoon press conference. “There were other ways to handle this situation.”

The shooting marks the third officer-involved incident in the district this year, part of ongoing tensions between CPD and North Side communities over police accountability. The frequency of such incidents contrasts sharply with broader citywide trends, as Chicago on Track for Safest Year Since 1965 as Homicides Drop 30% according to recent department statistics.

COPA, the independent agency that investigates police shootings, has opened a full investigation into the incident. Investigators will review all available footage, interview witnesses, and examine the officers’ adherence to department policy on use of force.

“We are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation,” COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten said in a written statement. “All evidence will be carefully reviewed to determine whether the officers’ actions were justified under department policy and state law.”

Both officers involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative duty pending the outcome of the investigation. The officers, assigned to the 18th District, have a combined 12 years of service with CPD.

The department’s release of the footage within 60 days follows protocols established after the Laquan McDonald case, which led to significant reforms in how CPD handles officer-involved shootings. The quick release represents a shift from past practices when such footage remained under wraps for months or years.

Neighborhood activists have called for increased crime prevention resources and better police training in de-escalation techniques. Several community groups plan to attend Thursday’s regularly scheduled CAPS meeting to address their concerns directly with district leadership.

“We need officers who know how to talk people down, not just shoot first and ask questions later,” said Maria Rodriguez, president of the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Association. “Mental health crises require mental health responses.”

The incident occurred in an area that has seen increased police presence following recent Chicago Neighborhood Watch Groups Team Up with Police initiatives aimed at improving community-police relations.

CPD Superintendent David Brown defended his officers’ actions during a Tuesday press briefing, emphasizing that split-second decisions often determine life and death outcomes for police.

“Our officers face dangerous situations every day,” Brown said. “When someone refuses to drop a weapon and advances on police, officers must make immediate decisions to protect themselves and the public.”

The shooting has reignited debates over police reform and accountability measures that have dominated Chicago politics since 2014. Alderman Michele Smith, whose 43rd Ward includes the shooting location, called for a complete review of the incident.

“Every loss of life deserves our full attention and a complete investigation,” Smith said. “We owe it to this family and our community to get answers.”

The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office will review COPA’s findings to determine whether criminal charges are warranted. That review typically takes several months after COPA completes its investigation.

Meanwhile, the victim’s family has retained civil rights attorney Antonio Romanucci, who has handled numerous police misconduct cases in Chicago. Romanucci indicated that a federal civil rights lawsuit is likely.

The officers involved have not been publicly identified, following department policy that protects their names unless criminal charges are filed. Both officers were wearing functioning body cameras, and preliminary technical analysis shows no gaps in the footage.

COPA expects to complete its investigation within 120 days, though complex cases sometimes require additional time. The agency will release a summary of its findings once the investigation concludes.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact COPA at 312-746-3609 or through the agency’s website.