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Two Chicago police officers were shot during a struggle with an armed suspect over the Fourth of July weekend as separate shootings across the city left three people dead and at least 16 others wounded, according to preliminary police figures.
The Chicago Police Department said 34-year-old Malik Wrightsell was charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated assault of a peace officer, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon by a repeat felony offender and several other offenses in connection with one shooting.
The officers were conducting a traffic stop in Chicago’s South Chicago neighborhood just before 5 p.m. Friday when Wrightsell fled on foot, police said. Officers pursued him into the 7900 block of South Chappel Avenue, where he allegedly resisted as they attempted to take him into custody.
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During the struggle, police said Wrightsell pulled out a handgun and fired, striking one officer in the abdomen. The officer’s ballistic vest stopped the bullet before returning fire and striking Wrightsell.
A second officer also was shot in the arm during the confrontation, with that officer’s ballistic vest also stopping the bullet. Responding officers rendered aid to both officers and Wrightsell before all three were transported to area hospitals. Police also recovered a firearm at the scene.
Both officers were listed in good condition. Wrightsell was transported to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
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The shooting was one of 11 shooting incidents recorded across Chicago between 6 p.m. Friday and 11:59 p.m. Sunday, preliminary Chicago Police Department figures provided to Fox News Digital show. The incidents left 16 people shot and three people dead.
Citing Chicago police, FOX 32 Chicago reported that six people between the ages of 17 and 20 were wounded in a mass shooting on the city’s West Side early Sunday.
About 10 minutes earlier, a 17-year-old girl was critically wounded in a separate shooting nearby. The station also reported that a 33-year-old man was fatally shot on the West Side, while a 31-year-old man was critically wounded after being found shot inside a home Sunday afternoon.
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Several other shootings and stabbings were reported across the city over the holiday weekend.
The preliminary figures marked a sharp decline from the Fourth of July holiday weekend in 2025, when Chicago recorded 32 shootings involving 44 victims, including nine fatalities, FOX 32 Chicago reported.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
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