Chicago area police have shot and killed a man wearing body armor and carrying a realistic BB gun. Police stated that they had received numerous calls about a suspicious white male taking pictures of schools in the Chicago suburb of Zion. A statement issued by police reads, “The suspicious person was located by officers, and a foot pursuit ensued. It appeared the offender was wearing body armor. After the foot pursuit, a struggle with the offender and officers ensued, which resulted in the offender being shot.”
The suspect was taken to a local hospital where he died from his wounds. Police have not stated how many times he was shot. When examining the suspect, it was determined that the tactical vest he was wearing was homemade and included metal inserts to protect vital areas. The altercation led to some school classes being canceled in the city as well as armed escorts for students leaving school buildings.
The name of the suspect has not been released as police are still conducting an investigation. As per department policy, the officers involved in the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. This is the second police shooting that has occurred in Zion in a year’s time. In April 2015 Zion police shot and killed Justus Howell, a 17 year-old black youth, in the back. Howell’s shooting was ruled justifiable because he had a gun in his hand and turned towards officers.
