FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2020
COPA RELEASES VIDEO OF FATAL OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING NEAR 19OO S. LOOMIS WITHIN 21 DAYS OF THE INCIDENT
Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released video, recordings and other materials of the fatal officer-involved shooting that took place near 1900 S. Loomis on Tuesday, September 1st, 2020.
Materials posted on COPA’s website are being made available within 21 days of the incident. Today’s release is consistent with COPA’s commitment to transparency and in advance of the City’s 60-Day Video Release Policy. Materials include numerous body-worn and in-car camera video, 3rd-Party footage, 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/2020-4103/.
Early information indicates two Chicago Police Department officers responded to a call of a suspicious person with a weapon. As officers were driving near 1900 S. Loomis, shots were fired at the officers, striking their police vehicle. Both officers exited the vehicle. One officer returned fire, fatally striking Mr. Miguel Vega.
COPA’s investigation into the officer’s actions, including use of deadly force, 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.
We remain committed to transparency, conducting a full and thorough investigation, as well as continuing to provide support to the Cook County State’s Attorney office in their criminal review of this incident.
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