'He gave his life': Chicago police officer fatally shot in line of duty traffic stop ID'd

Authorities have identified a Chicago police officer fatally shot in the line of duty in the city's South Side as Officer Enrique Martinez.

"The Chicago Police Department is mourning the loss of a courageous hero who protected our city until the very end. We stand heartbroken alongside his family and loved ones. In grief, we will never forget," the department said in a statement to USA TODAY Wednesday morning.

Martinez, a nearly three-year veteran with the department, was working in the 6th District when he was fatally shot about 8 p.m. Monday. He was 26.

“I come to you with a heavy heart, because we’ve lost another police officer who was out working, attempting to protect the city, and was tragically taken away from us by gunfire,” Police Supt. Larry Snelling told reporters outside the hospital Tuesday.

"A family is suffering right now," Snelling said. "He was a proud individual, very hard working. He gave his life for this city."

How did Chicago police Officer Enrique Martinez die?

On the night of the killing, Snelling said, officers stopped a vehicle with three people inside in a residential area on Ingleside Avenue in the city's East Chatham neighborhood.

When officers approached the vehicle, the driver fired multiple shots at Martinez, gunfire Snelling reported sounded "like rapid fire."

Martinez and a passenger inside the vehicle were fatally shot, Snelling said. At least one other officer returned fire at the scene, police said.

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Shooter who fled on foot taken into custody, not yet identified

Officers recovered a handgun from the person shot and killed in the vehicle, police said. Another weapon, Snelling told reporters, was also recovered from the scene – a semi-automatic weapon with an extended magazine.

The shooter attempted to flee on foot but was caught, arrested, and taken into custody, police said. Another person in the rear seat of the vehicle was also taken into custody at the scene but was released, Snelling said.

Fellow officers drove Martinez to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

As of Wednesday, police had not released the shooter's identity or said what charges were pending in the case.

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Funeral arrangements pending for Chicago police officer killed in line of duty

During the press conference, Mayor Brandon Johnson asked people to pray for the officer's family as the city mourns and grieves the "tragic loss of one of our bravest."

"We lost a hero who was working to make this city safer," the Fraternal Order of Police: Chicago Lodge No. 7 posted on Facebook Tuesday. "Officer Enrique Martinez was only 26 years old with his whole life a career ahead. The details and likely criminal background of the offenders will be out soon enough. Tonight, tomorrow and for eternity, we honor his sacrifice! Rest easy hero. We'll hold the line from here."

On Wednesday police told USA TODAY funeral arrangements were pending.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.