FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 7, 2022
COPA RELEASES SUMMARY REPORT AND FINDINGS REGARDING FATAL OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING OF ANTHONY ALVAREZ
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) posted its Summary Report of Investigation (SRI) which details COPA’s findings and recommendations regarding the March 31, 2021, incident involving Anthony Alvarez, near 5200 W. Eddy. The investigation, which garnered significant public interest, concluded within 10 months of the incident.
During the incident, Chicago Police Department (CPD) tactical officers attempted to stop and speak with Mr. Anthony Alvarez – an individual familiar to the officers. Mr. Alvarez fled as officers approached, leading to a foot pursuit. During the pursuit, officers made verbal commands to Mr. Alvarez to drop the weapon. A Chicago Police Officer fired his weapon multiple times, fatally injuring Mr. Alvarez.
COPA concluded its investigation on January 25, 2022 and delivered its report of findings and recommendations to the Superintendent as mandated by ordinance (www.chicagocopa.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/COPA-Ordinance.pdf). The Superintendent reviewed COPA’s findings and recommendations and did not agree with our recommendation of discipline, which triggered a review of the dispute by one member of the Chicago Police Board.
On July 21, 2022, the Chicago Police Board announced the one member’s opinion regarding the fatal officer-involved shooting of Anthony Alvarez in favor of the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, finding no fault in the use of deadly force by Officer Evan Solano.
“Based on our investigation, COPA found that the preponderance of the evidence in this case shows that Mr. Alvarez was attempting to flee without the use of force and does not support that his actions were likely to cause death or great bodily harm,” said First Deputy Chief Administrator, Ephraim Eaddy. “COPA firmly stands by our investigation, findings, and recommendation of discipline of Officers Evan Solano and Sammy Encarnacion in this incident.”
As Chicago’s civilian police oversight agency, COPA is committed to objectivity, integrity, transparency, and swift action when responding to misconduct.
The Summary Report of Investigation can be found on COPA’s website by visiting: https://www.chicagocopa.org/case/2021-0001161/
Media Contact:
Jennifer Rottner – Director of News Affairs
Ph: 312-720-8560 / Email: jennifer.rottner@chicagocopa.org