Video shows Chicago cop fatally shooting gunman who held girlfriend captive

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In a frame from an officer’s body camera, Devon Smith is seen holding a firearm as Chicago cops make entry to the bedroom where Smith was restraining his girlfriend. (Chicago Office of Police Accountability)

Newly Released Video Shows Chicago Police Confrontation with Armed Man in Pullman

Newly released video footage depicts the intense moments as Chicago police officers were faced with an armed man who had been physically attacking and restraining his girlfriend in the Pullman neighborhood. The nerve-wracking footage captures the split-second decision-making by an officer who fatally shot the gunman, identified as 43-year-old Devon Smith, just as the woman managed to escape from the bedroom.

Domestic Incident Response

The incident took place on the morning of March 20 at an apartment in the 900 block of East 100th Street. One of the woman’s children had alerted the police about the situation, stating that Smith had a gun and had used it to threaten both the child and the woman.

According to the child, Smith had a history of violence and had been previously incarcerated for shooting at the police. Officers waited for backup before entering the apartment.

Confrontation and Fatal Shooting

The newly released video shows the officers climbing the stairs and approaching the bedroom door where Smith was holding a firearm and physically struggling with the woman. In a split second, the woman managed to escape the room, followed by the fatal shot fired by one of the officers.

COPA, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, released the footage and investigative materials related to the incident. In a press release, COPA stated that Smith had pointed a firearm at the officer who ultimately shot him.

You can view the full video and additional materials released by COPA here.