COPA RELEASES VIDEO & OTHER MATERIALS RELATED TO THE DEATH OF MS. IRENE CHAVEZ WHILE IN CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 3RD DISTRICT CUSTODY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 16, 2022

 

COPA RELEASES VIDEO & OTHER MATERIALS RELATED TO THE DEATH OF MS. IRENE CHAVEZ WHILE IN CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT 3RD DISTRICT CUSTODY

 

CHICAGO – Today, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released video and other materials related to the death of Ms. Irene Chavez, which occurred while she was in police custody at Chicago Police Department’s 3rd District station located at 7040 S. Cottage Grove Avenue on December 18, 2021.

On December 18, 2021, at 3:20 am, COPA received notification from CPD of an attempted suicide by Ms. Chavez at a 3rd District Tactical Office. Later that same day, COPA received an updated notification that Ms. Chavez was deceased.

Prior to the in-custody death, Ms. Chavez was arrested after being involved in an incident that occurred at the Jeffery Pub Tavern located at 7041 S. Jeffery Boulevard.

Although this incident does not mandate release of video and other materials under the City’s Video Release Policy, COPA’s Interim Chief Administrator, Andrea Kersten, has discretion to release materials related to incidents of great public interest. Today’s release of materials further supports COPA’s commitment to transparency.

Materials released include Body-Worn camera, POD video, OEMC transmissions, Case Incident and Tactical Response and an Arrest Report, which can be viewed by visiting https://www.chicagocopa.org/case/2021-5001.

COPA has been in contact with and provided a viewing of materials to the Chavez family and their attorney in advance of today’s release. The investigation into this incident is ongoing and once concluded, COPA will release the Summary Report of Investigation in accordance with Municipal Ordinance.

Media Contact:
Ephraim Eaddy – Public Information Officer
Ph: 312-771-3718 / Email: Ephraim.Eaddy@ChicagoCOPA.org