FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2026
COPA PROVIDES UPDATE ON OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING NEAR 8100 S. MERRILL
Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is providing an update regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred near 8100 S. Merrill. COPA investigators immediately responded to the scene and began the investigation.
On February 5, 2026, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) notified COPA of an officer-involved shooting. Preliminary information indicates this incident began when on-duty CPD officers responded to a call of an auto theft involving two vehicles. As officers investigated the area, they observed the two vehicles involved in a nearby alley, one of which was abandoned. Officers then exited their vehicles and ran towards one of the involved vehicles, which was occupied by multiple individuals. One of the occupants climbed a fence into a yard and attempted to flee while holding a firearm. As one officer climbed the fence, a second officer simultaneously discharged their weapon towards the fleeing individual, who was apprehended shortly thereafter and was later identified as a juvenile. The juvenile was taken into custody, and an officer was taken to the hospital for an injury related to their hand. No one was struck by gunfire, and two weapons were recovered on scene.
COPA is prohibited from release of video and other materials in accordance with the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/5-905(5)). COPA is committed to a full and thorough investigation into the officer’s use of force to determine if their actions were in accordance with Department policy and training.
Anyone with information or video footage related to this incident is urged to contact our office at 312-746-3609 or by visiting ChicagoCOPA.org.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Rottner – Director of News Affairs
Ph: 312-720-8560 / Email: jennifer.rottner@chicagocopa.org