CHICAGO, IL – An off-duty Chicago police officer died on Saturday evening in what is believed to be a suicide, adding to the increasing number of police suicides in the city.
The 47-year-old officer was discovered unresponsive in a parked vehicle close to his home in the Ashburn neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side. The Cook County medical examiner’s office pronounced him dead at 7:32 p.m. The autopsy results are still pending as the police continue their investigation.
In a brief statement on Sunday, the Chicago Police Department confirmed the officer’s death and expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the officer.
“The Chicago Police Department is devastated by the tragic loss of one of our off-duty officers who apparently died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time, and we ask that the people of Chicago keep them in their thoughts and prayers. We also ask for support as we grieve this terrible loss together,” the statement read.
This unfortunate incident adds to the growing concern about police suicides in the city.
The Chicago Police Department has launched several initiatives to address its officers’ mental health needs and reduce the rate of police suicides. The department has also provided officers with resources to support their mental health and well-being.
This latest incident serves as a reminder of the immense pressure and challenges that police officers face daily. The Chicago Police Department is urging officers struggling with mental health issues to reach out for help and support. The department has several resources available to officers, including counseling services and peer support programs.