Chicago, Illinois – A police-involved shooting on the city’s West Side resulted in the death of a stabbing suspect, identified as Tracey Watson. The incident occurred on Monday night in the 300-block of South Cicero Avenue in South Austin. Watson’s family shared their perspective on the events that led to the fatal encounter.
According to Chicago police, Watson allegedly attempted to stab a man on the street late at night. However, Watson’s family maintains that he was acting in self-defense after being attacked by two men along with his cousin. The family has been reviewing surveillance footage to support their claims.
Watson’s cousin, Daniel Henry, recounted the events leading up to the altercation, stating that the confrontation began when two men approached Watson about urinating in public. The situation escalated as one of the men physically assaulted Watson, prompting him to defend himself and his cousin.
As the altercation continued, the two alleged assailants eventually sought help from passing police officers. The situation turned violent, resulting in Watson allegedly stabbing one of the men multiple times. Despite police orders to drop his weapon, Watson continued to pose a threat, leading to the fatal shooting.
The Chicago Police Department has maintained their initial statement regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the police shooting.
The stabbing victim, who remains hospitalized in critical condition at Stroger Hospital, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Watson’s family continues to advocate for a more nuanced understanding of the events, emphasizing that he was a father of four who was simply trying to protect himself and his loved ones.
The conflicting narratives and ongoing investigation underscore the complexities of police-involved incidents and the challenges of determining accountability in such cases. The outcome of the investigation and the impact on those involved remain to be seen as the community grapples with yet another instance of violence and tragedy.