Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez Shot During Traffic Stop in Chatham
Tragedy struck Chicago’s East Chatham neighborhood Monday night when 26-year-old Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez was shot and killed during a traffic stop.
Officer Martinez, who was conducting the stop around 8 p.m. in the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue, was struck when someone inside the stopped vehicle opened fire.
According to police, as officers approached the vehicle, a suspect began shooting, hitting both Officer Martinez and another occupant of the car.
In response, an officer returned fire. The suspect attempted to flee, hitting another officer with the car before abandoning the vehicle and attempting to escape on foot.
Police arrested the suspect shortly after in the 8000 block of South Maryland Avenue.
Officer Martinez was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The Fraternal Order of Police confirmed his identity on Tuesday morning.
The other occupant of the vehicle who was shot was also pronounced dead at a local hospital, though his identity has not been released by the medical examiner.
A second suspect was detained at the scene, and authorities revealed that one of the suspects had reportedly removed his ankle monitor before the incident.
The injured officer struck by the vehicle is currently in fair condition at a nearby hospital.
The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief for Officer Martinez, who had a promising career ahead. The investigation is ongoing.
