A bulletproof vest stopped an off-duty Oak Lawn police sergeant from getting shot multiple times during a shootout with an employee of a trucking business on Monday afternoon.
The shooting was reported at around noon outside MN89 INC, a trucking business at 10825 Central Ave.
Footage from Sky 5 showed officers focusing on a parking lot at the establishment. Multiple evidence markers, as well as what appeared to be clothing, were visible in a portion of the blocked-off lot.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter here.
A preliminary investigation revealed that an employee at the business became involved in an argument with his co-workers. An off-duty Oak Lawn police sergeant, who was working security at the time, and a second armed security officer were nearby when the argument occurred, police said. At one point, the suspect turned and walked in the opposite direction, removed a handgun from a coat pocket, then turned toward the police sergeant.
The second security officer fired at least one round at the shooter, who was shooting at the sergeant, police said. The gunman fired five rounds at the seargant, multiple of which struck his bulletproof kevlar vest. One round did strike the officer in his leg, according to police.
Mayor Terry Vorderer told Patch the officer was shot twice in the chest, but was saved by his bulletproof vest.
Local
At one point during the shootout, the suspect's gun jammed, which gave the sergeant "the opportunity to defend himself and others present, police said.
The seargant and second security officer were able to subdue the suspect and placed him into custody with the help of bystanders, authorities said. After being shot, the sergeant applied a tourniquet to his leg and was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries.
The second security officer sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment, police said.
The shooter was placed into custody, but hadn't been named as of Monday night. Detectives were in the process of combing through evidence and planned to work with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office regarding filing charges.
