Two Shot Chicago Police Officers Released from Hospital

Two Chicago police officers who were shot in the city’s Back of the Yards neighborhood were released from the hospital today.

Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said the officers, one of whom may be the son of a deputy chief, were doing “quite well.” The unmarked, gray tactical van carrying the cops was riddled with bullets from a high-powered rifle, an AR-15, Tuesday night.

A special prayer at the 9th District, where both officer work, for both the injured officers and their families, was held Wednesday.

“It’s a miracle they are coming back home, and we’re praying for their quick recovery,” said Rafael Yanez, Immaculate Conception Church.

The church members are also reaching out to those firing guns on the city’s streets.

“Come to us, talk to us about whatever is going on within you. So we can resolve whatever issue is going on,” said Father Manuel Dorantes, Immaculate Conception Church.

Police said the officers and their families are being provided with additional security in light of information indicating they were targeted.

“Families don’t know if their spouse, if their father, their mother is going to be coming home from the job. That’s always the danger,” said Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham.

Graham said the officers have been on the force for some time but did not disclose their ages or genders.

“Make no mistake about it. We’re going to catch them. We’re going to get these individuals responsible. Listen, if they would fire at police officers like that, then they have no thought process in terms of firing at other citizens of this great city We have some promising leads. As a matter of fact, we have a few persons of interest that we’re talking to right now, so we’ll see where that leads us,” Johnson said.

Police said around 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, the two plainclothes officers from the 9th District were conducting a gang investigation following an incident earlier in the day near West 43rd Street and South Ashland Avenue when one, possibly two, cars pulled up and the people inside opened fire on their gray unmarked tactical van.

Investigators appear to believe the officers were being followed in the moments before the shootout.

“We’re still trying to sort through the details, there are three persons of interest at this time. Who came off the Back of the Yards street,” said 15th Ward Alderman Raymond Lopez.

No one is in custody as of the writing of this piece.