Chicago Police Lieutenant Refused To Help With Robbery Offender Apprehension

The incident occured on the Chicago's south side in the 6th District

Chicago Police detectives observed a man described only as a man wearing a purple hooded sweatshirt, a blue bucket/fishing hat and a black backpack getting off the CTA train at the 87th street stop on the Red Line around 11:03 A.M. on August 26.

Beat 5241-Boy, a detective assigned to the city's far south side Area Two Detective Division (located near 111th and Doty) notified officers on Zone 8 (covering the 4th and 6th districts) that the offender was getting off the train and they needed assistance taking the suspect into custody.

As 5241-Boy gave the information and requested assistance. As the dispatcher tried to assign beat 632 to assist, beat 699 (the 6th district lieutenant and watch commander) immediately came over the radio and said “there is too much going on in the district, they can send fugitive people to go apprehend that person.” and denied the request for help from detectives.

Beat 5210-Boy, who was working alone without a partner, then said “I’m pulling up on 87 and the red line right now, let me know when he comes out.” The officer who was watching on video, 5241-Boy, continued to relay where the suspect went. 5210-Boy continued “yeah, he's walking between the bus stop and State Street, I'm gonna put a stop on him when I get a support unit…”

A unit then comes over the radio and asks “87th or 95th?” “8-7, 8-7 and State!” Yelled 5210-Boy, who continued “He’s at the sidewalk, I'm gonna grab him right now!” “10-4, we're here, squad” relayed the second unit, that appeared to be 632.

The suspect was eventually detained and transported to Area Two by a 6th district unit who assisted, contrary to 699’s orders.

A sergeant of detectives then came over and asked dispatch to confirm whether or the lieutenant declined to help with the apprehension of a robbery offender. The dispatcher told the sergeant that the lieutenant said there was too much going on. “Thank you, 699” said the sergeant in a sarcastic tone. “You're welcome” replied 699 in an equally sardonic tone.

It is often presumed that officers requesting help take precedence over anything on the Chicago Police Department, particularly when assistance is needed to confront violent (or potentially violent) suspects. Many officers who have heard this audio have expressed dismay and frustration with the lieutenant's response to a request for assistance. Some have even suggested that her response merits a suspension.

Charges regarding the apprehend suspect were unavailable at this time. It is unclear whether or not any discipline will be handed down to the lieutenant or if there will be any investigation of possible misconduct by the lieutenant.