An attempted vehicle theft in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood turned deadly early Saturday morning after a suspect struck police cruisers and pinned an officer, prompting police to open fire.
According to NBC 5, authorities say the suspect was shot and killed by a Chicago police officer after colliding with department vehicles and severely escalating a reported car burglary into a violent confrontation.
The incident unfolded at approximately 3:46 a.m. Saturday on September 6, 2025, in the area of West Thomas Street and North Pine Avenue. Officers with the Chicago Police Department responded to an emergency call reporting an attempted car break-in. The Austin neighborhood, located on Chicago’s West Side, has seen a recent increase in auto theft reports, prompting heightened patrols in the area.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers located a suspect vehicle described as a dark-colored sedan. As officers engaged the suspects, the vehicle immediately fled the scene, heading southbound on Waller Avenue. The officers pursued the suspect vehicle, which failed to stop for police commands.
Vehicle Rams Police Units During Pursuit
The chase came to a critical point when the fleeing vehicle reached the intersection of Waller and Chicago avenues. There, the sedan collided with two marked police vehicles. One officer was caught in the chaos and became pinned between vehicles, suffering injuries in the process.
In response to the ensuing danger, one officer discharged their firearm, striking one of the individuals inside the suspect vehicle. The injured suspect was taken to Stroger Hospital by emergency services. Despite efforts to save his life, he was later pronounced dead at the hospital. As of Saturday morning, the identity of the deceased suspect had not been released by officials.
Chicago police confirmed that a second suspect involved in the incident was taken into custody and transported to the hospital. The extent of the second suspect’s injuries remains unclear. A third individual connected to the case fled the scene during the incident.
Firearm Discarded While Fleeing the Scene
According to authorities, the suspect who managed to escape discarded a firearm while attempting to flee from police. Investigators later recovered the weapon as they processed the crime scene. The precise location of where the gun was found has not been disclosed.
In addition to the firearm found outside the vehicle, police recovered another gun from inside one of the suspect vehicles. It remains unclear at this point whether either of the firearms was discharged during the incident. Chicago police have not confirmed whether the suspects fired at officers during the confrontation. The officer who fired the fatal shot has been placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days, adhering to standard department procedures. The temporary reassignment is not uncommon and is executed while an internal review is underway.
Two Officers Receive Medical Treatment After Collision
The incident resulted in injuries to two officers, both of whom were hospitalized. Authorities noted that neither had life-threatening conditions. Following treatment, they are expected to recover fully. The Chicago Civilian Office of Police Accountability, known as COPA, has launched a formal investigation to examine the use of force in the incident. COPA plays a key oversight role in cases where officers discharge their service weapons, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The details released so far highlight the rapid escalation of what began as a property crime. Police have not yet determined whether the car involved was itself stolen or if the suspects had been targeting another vehicle in the area.
Ongoing Investigation May Reveal More Details
Authorities have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing. Officials say surveillance footage, officer body-worn cameras, and eyewitness statements are being collected and reviewed to piece together a comprehensive timeline of events.
For now, the community and law enforcement await further findings from COPA and the Chicago Police Department's internal investigations. These findings will determine whether departmental policies were followed and if any additional legal actions will be taken.
As of now, no charges have been announced against the surviving suspect, who was taken to the hospital. Police have also not confirmed the identity or whereabouts of the third suspect, who has yet to be located.
