Police arrested the suspect in the shooting of a Chicago police officer following a several hours-long manhunt on Saturday, police said.
Michael Blackman, 45, allegedly shot a police officer at around 8:40 a.m. in the 6500 block of South Winchester Avenue in the city's Englewood neighborhood.
Blackman sustained multiple gunshot wounds during a confrontation with police at around 3:40 p.m., and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in critical condition.
On Saturday afternoon, hours after the shooting detectives went to a vacant lot on South Hoyne Avenue on the city's South Side where they believed the suspect was hiding.
"When we went to go search that lot, this defendant popped up, at which point, this is when the gun battled ensued between the defendant and the officers," said Chicago Police Department Deputy Chief Brendan Deenihan.
The suspect then fled over railroad tracks, and was apprehended by officers.
On Saturday morning, officers arrived at an Englewood home where the suspect was believed to be hiding. CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said once officials knocked on the door, the offender attempted to flee, and was confronted with a couple of officers.
"A physical struggle ensued," Guglielmi said, and he escaped the scene. It was unclear if the offender was injured from the exchange of gunshots.
Guglielmi initially said on Twitter that the "alleged shooter is believed to be a fugitive wanted by police," and later confirmed that the alleged suspect was thought to be Michael Blackman, the 45-year-old gunman. He was also wanted for shooting a woman while riding a bike in the Fulton River District earlier this week.
Blackman has an extensive criminal history, Guglielmi said, dating back to 1991, ranging from burglary to battery and criminal trespass.
The 48-year-old officer was taken in a police squad car to Advocate Christ Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.
Authorities said had the victim not created a tourniquet and applied pressure to the area when he did, he might have succumbed to his injuries.
