A man has been formally charged with the attempted murder of a Chicago police officer following a violent encounter during a routine traffic stop on the city’s West Side earlier this month. The confrontation, which escalated quickly, left one officer hospitalized and sparked an ongoing investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA).
The Incident
The event unfolded around 6:41 p.m. on May 3 in the 4700 block of West Madison Street, located in the West Garfield Park neighborhood. According to the Chicago Police Department, officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 40-year-old Malcolm Harris. Police say Harris was driving erratically, prompting the attempted stop.
As officers approached the vehicle, the situation escalated. Authorities allege that Harris attempted to flee the scene, accelerating the vehicle and striking one of the officers in the process. The impact not only injured the officer but also resulted in them being dragged a short distance by the moving car. During the altercation, the officer’s firearm discharged. Police have not yet disclosed how many rounds were fired or whether Harris was injured in the process.
Following the incident, Harris sped away. His vehicle was later discovered abandoned in the 4500 block of West Adams Street, a few blocks from the original traffic stop. The officer who was struck was quickly transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the violent encounter, officials confirmed the officer was in good condition and is expected to recover.
The Arrest
After an intensive investigation that included surveillance footage review and community tips, Harris was located and arrested on Monday, May 20, just a block from his residence in the Austin neighborhood. Authorities have charged him with first-degree attempted murder and aggravated battery/use of a deadly weapon, both of which are felony offenses.
Harris has a documented history of confrontations with law enforcement, though police have not detailed his past charges as of yet. The swift identification and apprehension of the suspect have been credited to cooperation between various law enforcement units and the use of technology.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Harris is currently being held without bond as he awaits a detention hearing scheduled for Wednesday. Prosecutors are expected to present additional details surrounding the case at that time, including evidence of Harris’s intent and the severity of the officer’s injuries.
Meanwhile, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has opened an investigation into the incident due to the officer’s firearm being discharged during the struggle. COPA’s probe will examine whether proper protocols were followed and if the use of force was justified under departmental policy.
The Chicago Police Department has not commented extensively on the specifics of the officer’s actions, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, officials have reiterated their commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly in cases where force is used.
Community Reaction
The violent nature of the incident has raised concerns among local residents in both West Garfield Park and Austin. While many expressed relief that the officer survived the attack, some have also voiced apprehension about the continued escalation of traffic stops into dangerous confrontations.
Several community leaders have called for more investment in police training and de-escalation tactics, as well as a broader discussion about how to handle traffic stops in neighborhoods with historically strained relationships with law enforcement.
What’s Next
As Harris awaits his court date, the city watches closely. The outcome of the detention hearing could determine whether he remains in custody while awaiting trial. COPA’s findings, once released, may also lead to internal reviews within the Chicago Police Department or policy recommendations.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured officer and ensuring a thorough, transparent process as justice proceeds. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential volatility of even routine police interactions and underscores the critical importance of adherence to both legal and ethical standards in law enforcement.