Chicago Police Officer Shot Blocks From Soldier Field

The suspect was killed in the exchange of gunfire, officials confirmed

A Chicago Police officer was wounded in a shooting Thursday evening, officials confirmed. 

The shooting occurred at 18th St and Calumet at approximately 8:13 p.m., authorities said.

Officers on bicycles were near the Battle of Fort Dearborn Park when a concerned citizen told them there was a man nearby acting erratically, Superintendent Eddie Johnson said in a news conference. 

When the officers approached the man and asked him to talk, Johnson said he reached in his bag and grabbed a gun, shooting an officer in the upper leg.

Officers returned fire, killing the suspect, authorities confirmed. 

The officer who was shot made himself a tourniquet and his partner applied pressure to the wound, according to Johnson, who said their actions were instrumental in saving his life.

The 44-year-old officer, a 16-year veteran of the police force, was taken by CPD officers to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, officials said. His injuries were not life-threatening, according to Johnson. He is listed in good condition, according to a statement from CPD. 

"Tonight the thoughts and prayers of Chicago are with our brave police officer who was shot answering a call as he worked to keep our streets safe," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement.

"He is an example the courageous and selfless men and women in the Chicago Police Department who do difficult and dangerous work every day, often with little fanfare. Amy and I are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery, and our thoughts are with the officer's family, friends, and his fellow brave men and women in uniform."

Emanuel visited the hospital Thursday night to check on the officer and talk to his family, Johnson said. 

The officers involved in the shooting will be placed 

on routine administrative duties for 30 days in accordance with department protocol, according to a statement from the Chicago Police Department.

The Independent Police Review Authority continues to investigate the shooting.

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