COPA clears Chicago cop who killed man who tried to take her gun during off-duty robbery
Chicago Police Officer Cleared in Fatal Shooting After Robbery Attempt
The Chicago Police Oversight Agency has released new records clearing a police officer who fatally shot a man after he attempted to rob her of her firearm during an off-duty encounter outside her Washington Heights home.
Video footage revealed that on January 18, 2023, a group of men and 39-year-old Leevon Smith were involved in a physical altercation on the 1300 block of West 90th Street. Smith then followed the group towards the apartment building where Probationary CPD Officer Precious Dunn lived.
Dunn stepped out of her apartment building upon hearing the commotion and was approached by Smith, who asked to use her phone. When three men warned Dunn not to give her phone to Smith, a confrontation ensued. Dunn revealed her firearm in response to a threat from one of the men, which Smith noticed.
After the group left, Dunn and Smith had a brief conversation before Smith attempted to grab Dunn in an effort to take her firearm. A struggle ensued against the apartment building’s wall, during which Dunn warned Smith and ultimately fired shots as he tried to gain control of her weapon.
Smith, still on the ground, urged bystanders to call the police. He later succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the altercation.
The Chicago Police Superintendent filed a non-concurrence with COPA’s finding regarding Dunn’s firearm display, citing her actions as a de-escalation technique in response to a threat. COPA later changed its ruling on the firearm allegation to “unfounded.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, Dunn completed her probationary period and continues to serve as a sworn Chicago police officer.
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