Chicago Officer Stripped of Police Powers After Fatal Shooting

Civilian oversight agency investigating incident in Humboldt Park neighborhood

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:40am

A Chicago police officer involved in a fatal shooting in the Humboldt Park area last week has been relieved of police powers as investigations into the incident continue. The officer is currently under review by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the independent body responsible for investigating police-involved shootings and misconduct.

Why it matters

The shooting has drawn attention to ongoing concerns about police use of force and accountability in high-stakes encounters, particularly in densely populated urban neighborhoods like Humboldt Park.

The details

According to COPA, the deceased, 42-year-old Derek Jordan, was driving a vehicle linked to a separate shooting incident on the Eisenhower Expressway. Officers located the vehicle in Humboldt Park and attempted to approach the driver, but the situation escalated quickly as the driver fled, striking a pedestrian and leading police on a chaotic pursuit. During the pursuit, the vehicle crashed into a CTA bus and an unmarked police car, and an officer discharged their weapon, striking and killing Jordan.

  • The incident occurred on March 16, 2026.
  • Jordan was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.

The players

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The local law enforcement agency responsible for the incident.

Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)

The independent body responsible for investigating police-involved shootings and misconduct in Chicago.

Derek Jordan

A 42-year-old Chicago resident who was fatally shot by a police officer during the incident.

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What’s next

COPA is continuing its investigation to determine whether the use of force was justified and in line with department policies.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around police accountability and the use of force, particularly in urban communities, and the importance of independent oversight and transparency in investigating such incidents.