A Cicero police officer was seriously injured in a shooting early Sunday morning outside Nikki’s Pub and Gaming near 35th Street and 61st Court. The incident, which reportedly began as a response to a parking violation, resulted in two people being taken into custody, though their connection to the shooting remains under investigation.
Incident Details
Two plainclothes officers from the Cicero Police Department’s Special Operations Division approached a vehicle double-parked in the roadway. During the interaction, someone in the area opened fire, striking one of the officers, a 29-year-old man, in the back.
The injured officer was rushed to Loyola Hospital in serious condition but has since been stabilized. His partner was unharmed, though the back window of their unmarked squad car, a Ford Expedition, was shattered in the gunfire.
Officers quickly called for backup, leading to a heavy police and helicopter response. Two individuals were detained after attempting to flee the scene, but authorities have not yet confirmed their involvement in the shooting.
Police clarified that the incident did not involve Nikki’s Pub.
Community Impact
“This violent act underscores the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day while they work to protect the community,” said Cicero Police Superintendent Thomas P. Boyle. He emphasized the department’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable.
Local resident Aaron Salgado, who lives in nearby Berwyn, expressed shock over the incident. “It’s alarming to hear an officer was shot. I’ve lived in Cicero for 23 years and Berwyn for four, and I’ve never heard of anything like this happening to police in this area,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
The injured officer, who has been with the department for nearly five years, is currently recovering. The West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force is assisting the Cicero Police Department in the investigation.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Cicero Police Detective Division or the West Suburban Major Crimes Task Force.
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues and the officer’s condition improves.
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