CHICAGO — COPA, the agency charged with investigating shootings and allegations of serious misconduct involving Chicago police officers, has released video and other materials from an incident in which cops shot at an armed man in September.
According to a CPD report, officers were responding to a “person with a gun call” in the 7100 block of South Jeffery when they encountered a man matching the suspect description around 10:50 p.m. on September 16.
Police body cameras show what happened next: When cops stopped to speak with the man, he ran into nearby traffic lanes and was struck by a passing car. He got up and continued running. At least one gunshot, apparently fired by a police officer, is heard as the man rises to his feet, stumbles, then continues running.
Additional officers joined the chase. Video shows the man emerge from between parked cars while extending his arm and pointing what appears to be a firearm toward an officer. The officer fires at the man, who is arrested moments later.
No injuries were reported from gunfire. Police said they recovered a loaded handgun with an extended magazine from the man, identified as 31-year-old Rakim Kendall.
Here is a compilation of the body camera videos from the two officers who fired shots during the incident. (You can view the full videos and all related materials here.)
Kendall remains jailed as a public safety threat on five counts of aggravated assault of peace officers and three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Court records show Kendall received first-time weapon offender probation for a felony gun charge on September 10, just six days before he allegedly had another gun that he pointed at police.
COPA continues to investigate the officers’ use of force and compliance with police regulations.
Original reporting you’ll see nowhere else, paid for by our readers. Click here to support our work.
