CHICAGO — The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has largely confirmed the Chicago Police Department’s version of events leading up to the police shooting of an armed man in River North on Monday afternoon.
Citing preliminary findings, COPA said Thursday that the situation began when officers saw a man known to have an outstanding warrant and later saw him carrying a knife.
CPD identified the man as 46-year-old Demond Williams, who allegedly fled from officers. They eventually confronted him at the Courtyard by Marriott, 30 East Hubbard, around 2:32 p.m.
“Officers pursued and attempted to de-escalate the situation and then deployed their tasers towards the individual,” COPA said in a statement. “The individual continued to disregard verbal commands and turned toward officers still holding the knife. Two officers then discharged their weapons, striking the individual.”
Williams remained hospitalized on Wednesday. It is unclear if he will attend his detention hearing, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at 26th and California. He’s charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer and unlawful use of a weapon with intent.
Police body cameras and third-party cameras recorded the initial interaction and the shooting, according to COPA. The agency will release those videos and other related materials within 60 days, unless barred by court order.
Anyone with information about the incident or video that could help with the investigation can contact COPA at 312-746-3609 or at ChicagoCOPA.org.
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