FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2020
COPA PROVIDES STATEMENT ON VIDEO RELEASE OF OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING NEAR THE 5600 BLOCK OF SOUTH ABERDEEN STREET
Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released relevant video and other materials from the officer-involved shooting that took place in the Englewood neighborhood on August 9, 2020, near the 5600 block of South Aberdeen Street.
Materials posted on COPA’s website are being made available after review and notice from the Office of the Attorney General and the defendant’s private defense attorney that a Court Order preventing release of materials would not be sought. Today’s release is consistent with COPA’s commitment to transparency and in advance of the City’s 60-Day Video Release Policy.
As COPA reported previously, the involved officers were members of the newly formed Community Safety Team and not equipped with body worn cameras at the time of the incident. The materials posted does include relevant 3rd party, POD, and responding officer body-worn video, OEMC transmission and 911 calls, as well as Case Incident and Tactical Response Reports which can be viewed by visiting https://www.chicagocopa.org/case/2020-3647/.
The involved officers responded to the area pursuant to a radio transmission call of a person with a weapon. Officers observed an individual matching the reported description and initiated a pursuit, both in their vehicle and then on foot. The individual, now known as Latrell Allen, is reported to have opened fire at the officers. Officers returned fire, striking Mr. Allen who survived his injuries. Officers subsequently lost sight of Mr. Allen and later located him in a nearby residence. Police entered the residence, arrested Mr. Allen, and transported him to the local hospital.
COPA’s investigation includes the actions of the officers who engaged in the pursuit and used deadly force as well as the actions of certain responding officer’s relative to the manner in which they engaged the members of the public in the aftermath of the incident. COPA’s investigation into these matters is ongoing and in its early stages. We ask for patience and calm while COPA determines if the actions of the officers are in accordance with Department policy and training.
The material released today should not be interpreted that COPA has reached an investigative conclusion and should not be viewed as an indication of the appropriateness of the officers’ actions. COPA’s findings and recommendations, once reached, will be posted to our website and available for review by the public. If anyone has information regarding this incident or relevant video, please contact 312-743-COPA (2672) or email COPA-info@chicagocopa.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ephraim Eaddy
Public Information Officer
312-771-3718
ephraim.eaddy@chicagocopa.org