Paul Bauer killed: Suspect in Chicago Police Commander shooting 'wore a bulletproof vest' and 'had prior convictions'
Charges expected soon for shooting suspect
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Chicago police officer reportedly had a lengthy criminal record and was carrying a semiautomatic handgun and a bulletproof vest.
Commander Paul Bauer was shot and killed after attempting to help apprehend a person of interest in downtown Chicago who matched a description sent out over police radio. After initially saying Mr Bauer was off duty, authorities clarified that he was working at the time of the incident.
Authorities said they planned to file charges within 36 hours after detectives worked overnight gathering evidence. While they had not yet named the suspect, a partial portrait began to emerge.
The alleged assailant was carrying a semiautomatic handgun with an extended ammunition clip and wearing a bulletproof vest, according to a police official who spoke to the Associated Press.
The suspect also had compiled a criminal record that stretched back years and included multiple convictions, according to multiple news outlets that cited court records and police sources.
A spokesman for the Chicago Police Department did not immediately respond to the Independent's request for comment.
Police leadership was addressed by Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at the start of the day.
Mr Bauer had served on the force for decades and left behind a wife and daughter, authorities said. A police spokesman said the department would work to care for his family.
“CPD officers will step in for Paul & take his young daughter to school from here on in,” spokesman Anthony Gugliemi said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments