CHICAGO — As authorities in Boston zero in on the second man suspected in Monday's marathon bombings, detectives from the Chicago Police Department are headed East to assist in the investigation.
On Friday, five detectives and one sergeant will join the Boston Police Department at the request of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, the Police Department said.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy offered the department's assistance to Boston police earlier this week.
"What happened in Boston this week has affected all of us, and we must stand together in
the face of these cowardly acts," Emanuel said. "Chicago stands in solidarity with
Boston, and we are ready to help in any way we can."
Three people were killed, including an 8-year-old boy, and more than 150 were injured in the blasts near the Boston Marathon finish line Monday.
Authorities zeroed in on the suspected bombers late Thursday, and after releasing their photos, a chaotic night ensued. One police officer was killed and another was injured during a firefight with the suspects, the Boston Globe reported. Suspect Dzhokhar A. Tsarnaev, 19, remains at large and his brother, suspect Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, reportedly was killed by police overnight.
“I spoke with Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis earlier this morning and reiterated our offer of assistance and resources as Boston deals with unique challenges to solve a despicable crime,” McCarthy said. “Detectives from the Chicago Police Department will head to Boston later today to assist Boston police in their investigation.”
Many Chicagoans said they were devastated by news of the marathon bombings.
Chicago Marathon officials expressed sympathy for victims of the Boston attacks.
"The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is deeply saddened by the situation in Boston today, and our thoughts and prayers are with our colleagues at the Boston Marathon, and all of the spectators, participants, their families and friends," a statement from Chicago Marathon officials read.
At chicagorunnersblog.com, posts reflected horror and anger.
"As a runner, I feel like someone just attacked my friends. As a person, I'm just horrified," said one.
"Running is a sport of love and support. Who would do such a thing?" said another.
