A man was killed by Chicago police during a gunfire exchange Monday, Aug. 31, 2020, in 1300 block of West 19th Street in Pilsen. | Jermaine Nolen/Sun-Times
His name has not been released by the Cook County medical examiner’s office, but a GoFundMe page set up by his family identified him as Miguel Vega, a father of two children.
An alleged gunman was shot and killed by Chicago cops Monday night in Pilsen after he allegedly opened fire on the officers, striking a police car.
Hours after the shooting unfolded in the 1300 block of West 19th Street, police Tuesday morning said the suspect had been pronounced dead.
Officers responded at 10:45 p.m. to a call of a “suspicious person” and found five people on a sidewalk, Deputy Chief Daniel O’Shea said Tuesday at the scene.
As the officers got out of their vehicle, shots were fired in their direction, striking their vehicle, he said.
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Jermaine Nolen/Sun-Times
The officers returned fire, striking one suspect in the back of his head, O’Shea said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, but was later pronounced dead.
His name has not been released by the Cook County medical examiner’s office, but a GoFundMe page set up by his family identified him as Miguel Vega, a father of two children.
His family pushed back on the CPD’s version of a events, saying, “Neighbors and people who witnessed the crime first hand are coming forward and have contradicting versions as to what really happened.”
Vega’s family didn’t respond to an interview request Tuesday.
Two people were arrested after the encounter, but they were later released from custody, police said.
Police shared a photo of the alleged shooter’s handgun, which appeared to have an extended magazine.
No officers were struck by gunfire.
The shooting comes a day after two officers were shot after being ambushed by a man who allegedly hid in the trunk of his car during a West Side traffic stop.
The officers involved will be placed on administrative duties for 30 days, police said.
Contributing: Sam Charles
— Tom Ahern (@TomAhernCPD) September 1, 2020