CHICAGO, Dec. 27 (UPI) — Chicago police shot and killed two people during a domestic disturbance call Saturday morning, including Bettie Jones, 55, who police said was “accidentally struck and tragically killed.”
Quintonio LeGrier, 19, was killed along with Jones, but police police did not specify what led to the domestic disturbance call. The officer involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative duty for 30 days.
“Upon arrival, officers were confronted by a combative subject resulting in the discharging of the officer’s weapon which fatally wounded two individuals,” Chicago police said in a statement. “The 55-year-old female victim was accidentally struck and tragically killed. The department extends it’s deepest condolences to the victim’s family and friends.”
WLS reports that LeGrier’s family said he suffered from mental illness and threatened his father with an aluminum bat. LeGrier’s father called the police and then called Jones, his downstairs neighbor, to ask if she could open the door when officers arrived.
When police arrived, LeGrier reportedly charged down the stairs while still carrying the bat. Police opened fire and both LeGrier, a college student, and Jones were shot. An independent police review agency will investigate the incident.
“An innocent lady got shot as well because the police were trigger happy,” LeGrier’s mother, Janet Cooksey, told WLS. “I went to the hospital. My son has seven bullet holes in him.”
Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement.
“Anytime an officer uses force the public deserves answers, and regardless of the circumstances, we all grieve anytime there is a loss of life in our city,” the statement read. “All evidence will be shared with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for additional review in the days ahead.”
