School children were present and were witnesses in Gage Park when a Chicago police officer was shot and killed.

Wednesday, March 2, near Sawyer Elementary School, 32-year-old Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso was shot multiple times while pursuing an armed suspect.

One eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity for her own protection, described the terrifying ordeal. Among the children playing nearby, she said her sister, 10 years old, saw the man being chased pull a gun on Officer Vasquez-Lasso. When they heard the gunfire, they darted away as quickly as they could.

Two police cars were dispatched to a report of domestic violence at 4:45 p.m. Superintendent David Brown of the police force stated that a man armed with a gun was pursuing a woman down the street.

When the police arrived, they split up. One went to knock on the door, while the other confronted the suspect. The pursuit ended in gunfire between the suspect and Officer Vasquez-Lasso.

While pursuing the suspect, Officer Vasquez-Lasso was shot multiple times and the suspect was struck in the head. Tragically, the officer died at the hospital despite emergency efforts to save his life. He was survived by his wife and young daughter.

The suspect, later identified as 18-year-old Chicago resident Steven Montano, was in critical condition and under police guard at a hospital where he was being held on multiple charges, including murder. According to the police, they recognized him from a previous arrest in July of 2022, after which he had been granted bail. After an argument with his 37-year-old girlfriend, Montano allegedly had threatened to get his gun and she called 911.

Parents who had previously allowed their children to play near the school, as well as other first responders and their families, have been particularly affected by the officer’s tragic death. Many people have voiced worries about the kids in the area and have asked for more security.

On Saturday, a procession and vigil were held in memory of the officer, and the city of Chicago came together to express its sorrow at his loss.