On Wednesday afternoon, the Chicago Police Department formally charged 23-year-old Darion C. McMillian in connection with the tragic shooting of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez on the city’s South Side earlier this week.

McMillian faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer, first-degree murder, attempted murder of a police officer, residential burglary, unlawful use of a weapon (machine gun), and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.

The incident occurred on Monday evening around 8 p.m. in the East Chatham neighborhood, near the 8000 block of South Ingleside Avenue.

Officer Martinez, 26, and his partner had approached a vehicle blocking traffic, occupied by three individuals, including McMillian.

As backup arrived, Officer Martinez and his partner observed McMillian reaching toward a bag on the vehicle floor. Despite commands to stop, McMillian allegedly retrieved a fully automatic firearm and opened fire, fatally wounding Officer Martinez.

The gunfire also struck the driver of the vehicle, who was killed at the scene; his identity has not yet been released. McMillian then reportedly pushed the driver’s body out of the car, moved to the driver’s seat, and attempted to flee.

During the escape attempt, he allegedly reversed the car, dragging one of the officers, who fired a shot into the ground as McMillian evaded capture. The dragged officer was later reported in fair condition.

While authorities initially detained a second individual from the vehicle, that person was released without charges.

McMillian’s criminal history includes multiple prior offenses. In January 2023, he was indicted by a Will County grand jury on charges of unlawful cannabis possession and intent to distribute.

More recently, in October, he faced charges in Will County for allegedly tampering with a drug screening test and was placed on electronic monitoring.

Reflecting on the incident, CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling remarked, “We have to do everything that we can to keep violent offenders off the street, especially those who are repeating these acts. If we don’t do that, then we’re failing our citizens, our children, and their futures.”

McMillian’s attempt to escape led to further chaos. After colliding with a parked vehicle, he reportedly abandoned the car, fled on foot, and forced entry into a nearby apartment where a woman was present.

Once inside, McMillian allegedly acquired a knife, cut off his electronic monitoring device, and concealed himself within the residence. The woman in the apartment was not harmed. Police later apprehended McMillian in the 8000 block of South Maryland.

This investigation remains active as the Chicago Police Department works to ensure justice for Officer Martinez, his family, and the community.