CHICAGO — A 31-year-old Calumet Park woman is charged with murder in the death of an off-duty police officer who was killed as the woman fled police.
Officer David Harris, a 10-year Chicago Police veteran, was killed Friday when his car was struck by a van involved in a car chase originating in Calumet Park. Harris was on his way home from work when he was killed.
Shantel Terrell is charged with first-degree murder, as well as marijuana possession and intent to distribute, said Sally Daly, spokeswoman for Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez. She was also charged with aggravated driving under the influence, and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
Terrell was ordered held on $10 million bail Sunday.
Calumet Park police officers observed the van Terrell was driving violate several traffic laws shortly before 1 a.m. on Friday. When police ran a check on the van's license plates, they learned the plates were registered to another vehicle. When police tried to pull the van over, it attempted to flee, Assistant State's Attorney Patrick McGuire said.
Terrell led police on a chase down Interstate 57, striking a car as it fled, McGuire said. Terrell made her way to the Dan Ryan Expy., driving at least 90 mph, McGuire said. She eventually exited at 83rd Street, and ran red lights and stop signs along Lafayette Street, McGuire said.
At the intersection of 87th and Lafayette streets, the van went through a red light and struck a car driven by Harris, pushing it into a traffic light. Harris died on the scene. An autopsy determined he died of multiple injuries.
After the crash, McGuire said Terrell fled on foot before being taken into custody by a Calumet Park police officer.
Terrell's passenger, Solomon Wyatt, was still in the van, and was unable to get out. Police saw him throw a black plastic bag contained 4 pounds 9 ounces of vacuum-packed marijuana, McGuire said. Wyatt was charged with possession of marijuana and intent to deliver; his bail was set at $50,000.
Terrell broke her hand in the fracas, and Wyatt broke his ankle, McGuire said. Both were treated and released from Stroger Hospital. McGuire said Terrell and Wyatt both tested positive for marijuana.
Harris "dedicated his life to protecting our residents and communities, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and colleagues," a statement from McCarthy said. Police said Harris earned 87 department awards, including two Department Commendations, a Joint Operations Award, and a Unit Meritorious Performance Award.
