Crime & Safety

Police Presence at Alleged Gang Member's Wake

Wake for 22-year-old police shooting victim takes place as helicopters hover.

Police in Berwyn and Cicero have beefed up their presence in a big way during the wake of a 22-year-old suspected gang member shot dead by police last week.

Authorities have taken to helicopters to keep an eye on the proceedings, sources say.

The victim was shot by a Cicero police officer July 5 after authorities busted up a fight near 13th Street and 56th Court in Cicero, Town spokesman Ray Hanania told the  Chicago Tribune. Hanania said police chased one of the suspects about a block, and the man pointed a gun at the officers, prompting a cop to open fire.

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On Thursday, the victim's wake was taking place in Berwyn.

Asked what the Berwyn Police Department's role is during Thursday's operation, city administrator Brian Pabst said "I'm not going to say until the after the fact."

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So this isn't a breaking news situation?

"Not yet," he said. "Hopefully it won’t be."


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