Crime
Suspect who shot and killed Roswell police officer identified as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza
A Roswell police officer was shot and killed Friday night while responding to a call about a suspicious person, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. at a shopping center located at 1425 Market Blvd.
Officers from the Roswell Police Department arrived at the scene in response to the report and encountered the suspect, identified by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) as 23-year-old Edward Espinoza, in the parking lot near the ACE Pickleball Club.
According to police, Espinoza opened fire on the officer, striking him multiple times.
The wounded officer was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Espinoza was taken into custody at the scene and is now facing murder charges.
As of Saturday morning, authorities have not yet released the name of the fallen officer.
In tribute to his service and sacrifice, the Roswell Police Department has lowered flags to half-staff at its law enforcement center.
The officer’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from officials and fellow law enforcement agencies.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp issued a statement expressing his grief and support:
“Tonight, Marty, the girls, and I are praying for the loved ones of a Roswell Police Officer who was shot and killed in the line of duty. We join them, his fellow Roswell PD, and all law enforcement in mourning this sudden and heartbreaking loss, and we ask all Georgians to join us in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask that we remain mindful of the heavy sacrifices law enforcement and their families make to keep all of us safe each and every day. May this courageous man’s memory inspire all of us in the days, weeks, and years ahead.”
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has launched a full investigation into the shooting. Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses.
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed Friday afternoon in a parking lot outside a Little Caesars restaurant in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood.
The victim has been named as Stevens Jeffrey, 29, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The shooting occurred in the 2600 block of West Cermak Road near Rockwell Street at approximately 1:10 p.m., according to the Chicago Police Department (CPD).
Preliminary reports indicate that Jeffrey was sitting in his vehicle when he was approached by an unknown vehicle.
An armed individual exited that vehicle and opened fire, striking Jeffrey multiple times in the face and body.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene, where Jeffrey was pronounced dead. He was discovered inside his vehicle with his two young children, ages 4 and 6, who were unharmed.
Both children were transported to Stroger Hospital for precautionary evaluation.
The shooting took place in the parking lot of a Little Caesars restaurant, where investigators recovered multiple shell casings and placed numerous evidence markers on the ground.
As of Friday evening, no suspects are in custody, and detectives from the CPD Area Four Homicide Unit are leading the investigation. Police have not released information on a possible motive.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about this homicide to contact Chicago Police or submit an anonymous tip at CPDTip.com.