Holly MatkinChicago, IL – Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso was murdered in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a gunman in Gage Park late Wednesday afternoon.
The incident occurred in the 5200-block of South Spaulding Avenue at approximately 4:45 p.m., WLS reported.
Chicago police said they responded to the area after receiving a report about a man armed with a gun who was chasing a woman down the street.
While other officers were knocking on doors, Officer Vasquez-Lasso spotted the alleged gunman running away, WLS reported.
The officer chased after him on foot, at which point the 18-year-old gunman turned and shot him “without warning or notice,” CPD Superintendent David Brown told reporters.
Despite his wounds, the officer was able to return fire and shot the suspect in the head, WLS reported.
The shooting, which happened at close range, was captured by Officer Vasquez-Lasso’s bodycam, according to Superintendent Brown.
The gunman was rushed to Stroger Hospital in critical condition, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
His identity was not immediately released.
Officer Vasquez-Lasso suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his leg and face during the attack, CBS News reported.
The 32-year-old officer was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Superintendent Brown reiterated that the officers who responded to the call on Wednesday night “were willing to put their lives on the line to protect this victim,” CBS News reported.
Officer Vasquez-Lasso served the CPD for five years and was assigned to the department’s Eighth District.
“I ask that this city cover this officer’s family,” Superintendent Brown said, according to WLS. “This is a family of public servants and as you can imagine, they are taking this tragedy, very, very hard.”
Officer Vasquez-Lasso is survived by his wife and his young daughter, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Superintendent Brown described him as a young officer who “had a bright future ahead of him,” WMAQ reported.
A massive procession of first responders escorted the fallen hero’s body from Mount Sinai Hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office on Wednesday night.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers lined the route.
“I want to remind people that every single day, on every shift, officers run to danger for our safety,” Chicago Mayor Lightfoot said during the news conference on Wednesday night, according to CBS News. “If you see an officer tonight, or the next day, or the day after that, thank them for their service.”
Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso
End of Watch: March 1, 2023He died while protecting Chicago and its people. We will #NeverForget his selflessness and dedication as we continue to wrap our arms around his family and loved ones.
Together, we mourn the loss of our hero. pic.twitter.com/fnkbEsqkHd
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) March 2, 2023
A solemn salute tonight in Chicago as mourning bands will once again be worn for a brave cop who was shot and killed in the line of duty. My prayers are with the officer’s family — and the men and women of the @Chicago_Police who continue to patrol the city. #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/IbdoqDh3zO
— Bill Bratton (@CommissBratton) March 2, 2023
Earlier today, we lost one of our own. An on-duty police officer was fatally shot while responding to a person with a gun call. Please pray for this officer’s family, loved ones, partner and all of our Chicago Police officers who are grieving this tremendous loss. pic.twitter.com/dlEucYrmY9
— Chicago Police (@Chicago_Police) March 2, 2023
⚠️ UPDATE: Please pray for the family and friends of the Chicago Police Officer who was shot and killed on the city’s Southwest side this evening while responding to a domestic incident.
Per reports, the Officer sustained gunshot wounds to the face and legs and was rushed to… https://t.co/KnH3cGylu7 pic.twitter.com/f6PTB0sIEA
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) March 2, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chicago Police Department Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, your life mattered.
