This compilation of Chicago PD bodycam footage depicts an officer being shot in the hand by another officer as they engage a suspect. This footage is uncensored and depicts both the wound and care. Therefore, viewer discretion is advised.

The footage begins with an officer exiting his vehicle in an attempt to detain suspects fleeing the scene in a black BMW sedan. There’s an audible call to “watch for crossfire” and the camera-bearing officer takes a round in the left hand. The wounded officer takes a knee and incredulously inspects the damage. At 0:33, he produces a tourniquet and gives it to a partner to apply. It takes an approximate 30 seconds to get it around his wrist and strapped, proximal to the wounded fingers. The officer, now a patient, is transported by cruiser to a local hospital.

At 01:30, we see the events unfold from the perspective of the officer who applied the tourniquet. His adrenaline is through the roof, as evidenced by his elevated volume and tone. Interestingly, no one seems to finish actually securing the tourniquet, instead leading him by the windlass and keeping tension on it. In fact, at 02:42 the wounded officer appears to be left to keep tension on it himself.

We see a third officer’s perspective at 02:49. This man is about to become deeply unpopular. Nearly hit by the suspect’s vehicle as he exits his, he draws his handgun and demands the suspects get out of the car at 02:43. When the suspects do not, it is this officer who calls “watch for crossfire.” He opens fire at 03:42, nearly striking the officer just ahead of him, and unbeknownst to him, actually striking the officer on the other side of the car. After chasing the BMW for some distance- yes, despite this officer’s tactical skill and acumen, they got away- he returns with other officers to the scene. At 04:32, a fourth officer’s perspective is shown, though he is largely uninvolved with the incident apart from officer presence. He is nearly struck by the fleeing BMW at 05:30.

Takeaways: Holy shit. Item number 1: Know your target and what’s beyond it. It is your responsibility, not that of the people on the other side of your target. That’s day-one-on-the-range stuff. Item number 2: The TQ used here is neither properly tightened nor secured. I understand no one there was expecting what happened, but that does not change the mechanics of how a TQ is applied, which are simple. As an instructor, this sends me through the roof. Each of these officers need to take a TCCC course.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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