Page 14 - May2021

Financial Secretary’s Report
Two officer-involved shootings captured on camera
On March 25, a local news broadcast of the OIS in the 9th District did nothing but show the heroism displayed by the men and women of the Chicago Police Department. For once, I was hap- py that the news cameras were around and able to capture the incident as it rolled out.
The offender in this incident was committing a retail theft from a nearby Home Depot while armed with a handgun. Once confronted by the security guard, he pulled his gun and fired, strik- ing the security guard in the head. The offender
fled on foot into the residential neighborhood. Responding units arrived on scene, exited their squad cars and pursued the armed offender on foot. The offender holed up in a backyard, taking cover behind a parked car, firing at officers. A responding officer was struck in the neck and shoulder area and was taken from the scene to the hospital. A second officer was able to flank the offender from an adjacent backyard and, without regard for his own safety, he eliminated the threat. Nice shot, officer.
Just days later, another OIS occurred in the 10th District. In this incident, a shot spotter alerted officers to nearby gunshots. Again, without regard for their own safety, the officers exited their squad cars and gave chase to an armed offender running down a dark alley at 2:30 in the morning. The incident was cap- tured on the officer’s body-worn camera.
The offender’s failure to comply, causing a split-second and
completely justified decision by the shooting officer to protect himself and other officers, has become the subject of debate by non-police. The shooting officer fired just once, striking the offender. But the officers on scene continued to act heroical- ly, rendering aid to the offender. The same offender who, just moments before, may have been trying to take another person’s life.
There has been more public outcry due to this offender’s age. But this offender’s actions prior to his encounter with the police were not those of any other 13-year-old. This offender, known to his fellow Latin King gang members as “Lil Diablo” and “Lil Homicide,” was as ruthless as any adult gang member. The sad- dest part is that the Latin Kings were using this youthful offend- er to commit heinous acts because, due to his age, he would face lesser consequences if caught. The social media pictures of this offender clearly depict him flashing gang signs, wearing gang colors, and not playing with Legos like his mother said. The officers in this incident did their jobs, so did someone else not do theirs? Unfortunately, our current society is afraid to ask that tough question.
Lastly, police-involved shootings have become sounding boards for phony activists and professional athletes alike. They just love to chime in, offering their expert opinions in the hopes of being relevant. I have a couple words to Jamal and LeBron: “fart noise” to both of you.
Stay safe and back each other up.
JIM JAKSTAVICH
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14 CHICAGO LODGE 7 ■ MAY 2021