FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2021
COPA PROVIDES UPDATE ON DEATH OF MS. IRENE CHAVEZ WHILE IN CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 3RD DISTRICT CUSTODY
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is currently investigating the death of Ms. Irene Chavez, which occurred December 18, 2021, following a medical emergency while in custody at the 3rd District Police Station.
Ms. Chavez was arrested after being involved in an incident which occurred at the Jeffery Pub Tavern located at 7041 S. Jeffery Boulevard.
COPA received notification from the Department of an attempted suicide by Ms. Chavez at a 3rd District Tactical Office on December 18, 2021, at 3:20am. Ms. Chavez was then transported to the University of Chicago Hospital in critical condition. COPA later received an updated notification from the Department that Ms. Chavez was deceased at 11:30am.
COPA immediately began its investigation once notified of the incident. Investigators were present for the autopsy conducted by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. As a result of any death in police custody, COPA will provide notification to the State’s Attorney’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for possible criminal review.
Although in the early stages of the investigation, COPA Investigators have also obtained and reviewed body worn video and requested POD video of the initial arrest of Ms. Chavez, who was then placed in police custody. At this time, there is no video surveillance of Ms. Chavez in the 3rd Police District Tactical Office where the alleged suicide attempt occurred; however, COPA will continue to conduct its investigation to determine if video captures the alleged suicide attempt and actions by officers in the immediate aftermath.
COPA has made contact with family and will provide updates as the investigation proceeds.
COPA’s investigation into this incident is ongoing and once concluded will release the Summary Report of Investigation in accordance with Municipal Ordinance.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ephraim Eaddy ephraim.eaddy@chicagocopa.org 312-771-3718