Video captured suspicious shots exchanged for gunfire with Chicago police

CHICAGO – A 22-year-old man has been charged after one shooting led to another exchange of gunfire of Chicago Police in West Rogers Park on Saturday morning.

Sidi Mohamed Abdallahi has been charged with more than a dozen crimes, including six counts of attempted first-degree murder, seven counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm on a police officer or firefighter, and one count of aggravated battery with a firearm.

According to Chicago police, Abdallahi approached a 39-year-old man and shot him — without saying a word — around 9:30 a.m. in the 2600 block of West Farwell Avenue. When officers and paramedics arrived on the scene, Abdallahi allegedly shot at them. several times from different locations. Only an ambulance was hit by the gunfire. Police returned fire and wounded Abdallahi.

No officers or firefighters were injured. Abdallahi was arrested about 30 minutes after the first shooting in the 6800 block of North Washtenaw Avenue. He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Neighbors said the victim went to his synagogue prior to the shooting. Police said he was shot in the shoulder and has since been released from the hospital.

At this time, Chicago police said no hate crime charges would be filed until evidence proves otherwise.

“We need to determine the motive for the crime,” Chicago police chief said. said Larry Snelling.

However, 50th Ward Councilwoman Debra Silverstein is calling for hate crime charges.

“Our community would like to see this as a hate crime. He walked to a synagogue. We are very concerned,” she said.

Neighbors say the suspect could be heard shouting an Islamic phrase during the gunfight on surveillance footage. Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursetti said, “That statement that was said during conversations with officers is nothing that we can present as evidence at this time that would support any motive for his actions against our officers and our victim.”

According to police, a weapon was found at the scene. The officers involved in the shooting have been assigned to routine administrative duties for at least 30 days as part of department protocol, according to CPD.

Supt. Snelling said they still have not interviewed the suspect because he is in the hospital. The hearing on Abdallahi’s detention is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is investigating and anyone with more information is asked to call COPA at 312-746-3609.