Chicago Police Officer Shot In Vest, Gunman Arrested: Police

CHICAGO — A bulletproof vest prevented a Chicago police officer from suffering a gunshot wound Monday in North Austin, and the man who shot the officer is in custody pending charges, police said.

Shortly before 12:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of domestic violence in the 500 block of North Leamington Avenue, according to a statement from Chicago police. Officers were told a man had just fired three to four rounds from a handgun into the ground.

Police said the shooter fled the home after the initial gunfire but returned while officers were still at the scene. The gunman entered through the basement and fired at least one shot at an officer as he stood at the top of the stairs, according to police.

Chicago Police Superintendent David Brown said the officer, who has about 18 months on the job, was taking a report at the time of the shooting.

A bullet hit the officer's protective vest in the shoulder area, police said, but he was able to return fire at the shooter, who was not hit.

The gunman ran away but was later found and arrested a few blocks south in the 300 block of North Latrobe Avenue, police said, and officers reported finding a firearm at the scene.

Lovell Polk, 33, of the 500 block of North Leamington Avenue, Chicago, was charged with attempted first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, according to Chicago police. He is due to appear before a judge for a bond hearing Tuesday.

The officer was taken to an area hospital, where he was in good condition Monday morning, according to police. There were no other injuries reported in connection with the incident.

As in every case of an officer firing a gun on the job, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, or COPA, has opened an investigation and the officer is on administrative duty for 30 days.

Brown said the incident was a traumatic experience for the officer, who is "young on the job and years in age."