Two men have been charged in the weekend shooting that wounded a suburban Chicago police officer after he responded to a reported car crash. Raul Perez, 24, of Blue Island, faces one count each of attempted first-degree murder of a police officer, attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking, and armed habitual criminal in connection with Sunday’s shooting in Bedford Park, southwest of Chicago, authorities said. Luis Gonzalez, 22, of Chicago, was charged with one count of attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking.
According to Cook County court records, Perez and Gonzalez were ordered detained pending trial during their first court appearance on Tuesday. The men are due back in court on December 5. At this time, there is no attorney listed for either Perez or Gonzalez.
The Bedford Park police officer was shot early Sunday and is currently hospitalized in stable condition. The incident occurred when officers responded to reports of a car crash and discovered a heavily damaged car, which was reported stolen in a Chicago carjacking. Surveillance footage revealed two individuals fleeing the scene of the wrecked car before getting into another vehicle at a nearby gas station.
Police approached the second vehicle, and one of the two individuals inside refused to comply with the officers’ commands, leading to a struggle. During the altercation, Perez allegedly fired several shots at one officer, striking him multiple times.
The shooting has raised concerns about the safety of law enforcement officers in the area and the prevalence of carjackings in Chicago. This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by police officers as they carry out their duties to protect the community.
As the investigation continues, authorities will work to determine any potential motives behind the shooting and gather more evidence against the suspects. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety of both officers and civilians in the Chicago area.
