Two men are set to appear in court today to face charges for physically attacking Chicago police officers outside a memorial service on the West Side over the weekend. The incident, which took place in the 4300 block of West Madison, was captured in viral videos that began circulating shortly after the attack occurred.
According to police dispatchers, the altercation started at a “gang funeral,” although the reason for the officers’ presence at the location has not been publicly disclosed. The exact circumstances that led to the physical altercation have not been revealed, but more information may come to light during the court proceedings.
The situation escalated to the point where a “10-1” police emergency was declared at 12:24 p.m., prompting additional resources to be called in from surrounding areas. Dispatchers reported a large crowd on the scene and officers in distress, with one dispatcher stating, “We have officers screaming 10-1” and requesting more cars as soon as possible to address the gang fight.
Following the incident, Demarco Hunter, 25, and Michael Fitzgerald, 37, were charged with felony aggravated battery of a peace officer. Fitzgerald also faces four misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest.
One video shared on social media showed an officer with blood streaming down his forehead and nose, prompting shock and disbelief from the person recording the incident. The video garnered attention online, with calls for city officials to support the Chicago Police Department in addressing such acts of violence.
CWBChicago, a local news outlet focused on public safety reporting, has been covering the incident and providing context and detail beyond what mainstream media outlets offer. Their mission is to deliver accurate and thorough reporting on issues affecting the community.
As the two men prepare to face their charges in court, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in maintaining public safety and order in communities across the city. The outcome of the court proceedings will shed more light on the events that unfolded during the memorial service altercation on the West Side.
