Weis Demands Punishment Over 911 Dispatch Delay

Chicago's Police Supt. Jody Weis is demanding punishment for those responsible for a 911 dispatch delay that left an off-duty police officer without help while he was in a shootout with suspected gang members.

Weis said Friday the officer needed assistance and didn't get it until he arrived at a nearby police station.

"This incident is just reprehensible. We had an officer (who) needed assistance and he didn’t get it on the street.  He was pretty much on his own for quite a few minutes.  He had to go to (a police) station and that’s where he received assistance," Weis said.

He said 911 dispatchers hold lives in their hands. He added it was fortunate the officer was not hurt, while insisting the lapse was a big deal.

"If the allegations are sustained, the discipline will be appropriate with the violation," said Ray Orozco, the executive director of Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications.

Four men are facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly following the unidentified police officer on Aug. 28, and firing shots into his vehicle. The officer reportedly kept driving while returning fire until he reached the police station.

Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications executive director Roy Orozco says an investigation is under way.