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Man Shot by Bridgeview Officer Had BB Gun; Officials Release New Details on What Happened

Bridgeview spokesman Ray Hanania said an officer was rear-ended by a driver who then got out of his vehicle with a firearm in his hand

A man fatally shot by a Bridgeview police officer during a "minor traffic accident" Tuesday night after police say he pointed a weapon at the officer was holding a BB gun, officials said. 

Bridgeview spokesman Ray Hanania said police responded to the area after receiving a call about a shoplifting report at a nearby Walmart. There, Joseph Jesk's girlfriend was arrested and put into a police car, Hanania said. 

As the officer drove away, Jesk got into his own vehicle and rear-ended the squad car around 7:04 p.m. at 10300 S. Harlem Ave., Hanania said. 

When the officer got out of the vehicle, Jesk pointed a gun at the officer, who then fired at Jesk twice. It was later determined Jesk was holding a BB gun, Hanania said. 

Jesk was taken to Advocate Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. He was pronounced dead just after 11 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's office.  

The officer was not harmed but was taken to a hospital for observation, officials said. 

The 2019 Ford van driven by Jesk was reported stolen out of Chicago from a U-Haul in the 2700 block of North Central, Hanania said. The plates on the van were also reported stolen out of New Lenox. 

Records show Jesk was sentenced to 17 years in prison in 2010 for 2nd-degree murder but was discharged. 

The shooting is under investigation by Illinois State Police. 

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