Video captures suspect firing shots in exchange of gunfire with Chicago police
CHICAGO - A 22-year-old man has been charged after a shooting led to another exchange of gunfire with Chicago police in West Rogers Park on Saturday morning.
Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi has been charged with more than a dozen felonies, including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at a police officer or firefighter, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm.
According to Chicago police, Abdallahi approached a 39-year-old man and shot him — without saying a word — near the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue around 9:30 a.m. When officers and paramedics responded to the scene, Abdallahi allegedly fired at them multiple times from various locations. Only an ambulance was struck by the gunfire. Police returned fire and wounded Abdallahi.
No officers or firefighters were injured. Abdallahi was arrested about 30 minutes after the initial shooting. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.
Neighbors said the victim was going to his synagogue prior to the shooting. Police said he had been shot in the shoulder, and has since been released from the hospital.
At this time, Chicago police said a hate crime charge would not be filed until the evidence proves otherwise.
"We have to find out the motive for the crime," Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said.
However, 50th Ward Alderwoman Debra Silverstein is calling for hate crime charges.
"Our community would like to see this as a hate crime. He was walking to a synagogue. We are very concerned," she said.
During the shootout, neighbors say the suspect could be heard through surveillance footage yelling a Muslim phrase. Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursetti said, "that statement that was said while engaging with officers is nothing we could bring in as evidence at this point that would support any motive of his actions toward our officers as well as our victim."
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Suspect critically injured after shootout with police in West Rogers Park: CPD
A suspect is in critical condition after an exchange of gunfire with Chicago police in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, authorities said.
Police said a weapon was recovered at the scene. The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on routine administrative duties for at least 30 days, as part of department protocol, according to CPD.
Supt. Snelling said they still haven't interviewed the suspect as he remains in the hospital. Abdallahi's detention hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating and anyone with more information is asked to call COPA at 312-746-3609.