Trooper dies after after shooting on Dan Ryan Expressway in Chicago
CHICAGO (WISH/AP) — An Illinois State Police trooper has died after being shot on the Dan Ryan Expressway on Chicago’s South Side.
Illinois State Police said Trooper Gerald Mason, 36, was found shortly before 1:45 p.m. Friday in his squad car on northbound I-94’s local lanes at 43rd Street with a single gunshot wound. He was taken to a hospital, but later died. Mason had worked for Illinois State Police for 11 years.
Chicago media reports indicate the gunshot may have been self-inflicted, but Chicago police only said the death remains under investigation.
A spokeswoman for the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office said the trooper was pronounced dead Friday afternoon at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She says an autopsy will be conducted.
The shooting comes on the same day that state police started beefing up patrols on expressways in response to a rash of shootings on expressways.
“It is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of Trooper Gerald Mason. Trooper Mason was one of the many fearless Troopers assigned to ISP District Chicago. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Mason and the whole ISP family while we continue to grieve and work through this tragedy.”
Brendan Kelly, director, Illinois State Police