The slain officer was identified by the department as Ella French, on the force since April 2018. Officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras, and much of what happened was caught on video, CPD Supt. David Brown said Sunday.
Chicago police on Sunday captured the third suspect in the fatal shooting of a police officer and the wounding of another the night before during a traffic stop in West Englewood. Chicago Police Department Supt. David Brown announced the arrest Sunday morning at CPD headquarters. He said the wounded officer remained in critical condition. “Our officers need this city to pray for their strength, to pray for peace that they are comforted, that their families are comforted,” Brown said. The slain officer was identified by the department as Ella French,29, who had started with CPD in April 2018. French and the other officer were shot during a traffic stop shortly after 9 p.m. at 63rd Street and Bell Avenue in West Englewood. They returned fire, hitting at least one suspect, police said. Officers involved in the incident were equipped with body-worn cameras and much of what happened was caught on video, Brown noted. He commended officers for continuing to show up and do their dangerous work after a night of tragedy. “I’m asking Chicago to wrap their arms around our police officers today and encourage them to continue their great work in protecting us all, he added. All city buildings will have flags lowered to half-staff, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, speaking after Brown and declaring Sunday an official day of mourning. Lightfoot urged an end to constant bickering over police reform, the argument over whether police are over-regulated, or whether they’ve been given free rein. “Stop. Just, stop,” Lightfoot said. “This constant strife is not what we need in this moment.” While the mayor said “we need to continue the journey to achieve constitutional, accountable policing,” she insisted “the police are not our enemies.” She continued: “They are human, just as we are. Flawed, just as we are…. But also risking their lives every day for our safety and security.” Chicago residents, she said, should remember the danger police officers put themselves in every day. “When you see a police officer, say ‘thank you,’” Lightfoot said. “Just say, ‘thank you.’” Brown said so far this year,38 officers have been shot at, and 11 have been hit by gunfire. Brown declined to release details about the slain officer at her mother’s request, noting the department will delay issuing any information “until she is ready.” The wounded officer has been with the department six years, Brown said. He remained at University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was “fighting for his very life” in critical condition, according to First Deputy Eric Carter, who spoke to reporters outside the hospital early Sunday.
