EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – According to Evansville Police Chief Philip Smith, the officer who was shot by a suspect over the weekend is stable but may face permanent damage to his lower body.
In a press briefing, Smith elaborated on the shooting event that led to the apprehension of Jailani Chew and a minor, who were allegedly found in a stolen car at a Virginia Street restaurant on Sunday. Reports indicate that Chew and the minor attempted to escape when officers used a technique to immobilize the vehicle.
Officials report that Chew fled across the street to a gas station, where he tried to carjack someone at gunpoint. Video footage shows Evansville Police Officer Sam Taylor pursuing Chew, who then turned around and shot at Taylor.
Smith, after sharing body cam footage from the incident, expressed his emotions acknowledging that Officer Taylor sustained severe injuries. He also directed comments towards Chew, who just recently turned 18.
“You’re going to spend the prime years of your youth confined,” Smith stated during the briefing. “While your peers are eager for things like turning 21 and other youthful experiences, you’ll be learning to make prison hooch. You’ll be missing out on Thanksgivings, Christmases, birthdays, and any other significant occasions, all while being confined.”
“You’ve chosen a path of turmoil and wreckage, and now that path leads to a place with others who chose similarly. May God go with you, young man.”
During the press conference, Chief Smith called Officer Taylor a hero who ran straight into danger. Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry said law enforcement, schools and the community needs to continue to do better to end the violence in the city.
You can view the press conference in the above video player.
Chew was shot by another officer at the scene, identified as Officer Seth Gorman. Chew’s injuries were described as non-life threatening. Smith said he is expected to be booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on Monday for multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder, robbery and six counts of criminal recklessness.
The 15-year-old juvenile who was reportedly driving the stolen vehicle was detained at the scene after an officer discharged an electric stun device. However, authorities say he was able to get away after shots were fired at Officer Taylor. The juvenile was later located and brought into custody on the roof of a nearby school.
Officer Gorman is currently on paid administrative leave while the shooting is still being investigated.
