CHICAGO — A violent confrontation at a South Shore senior housing facility ended in gunfire last month when a knife-wielding man charged at a Chicago police sergeant, prompting backup officers to open fire and fatally shoot him.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released body-camera footage Wednesday that captured the tense and harrowing moments that unfolded in the early hours of May 5. The footage reveals a sergeant attempting to de-escalate the situation before being forced to call for lethal backup.
Early Morning Disturbance Leads To Police Response
At approximately 2:23 a.m. on May 5, officers responded to reports of a man threatening residents with a knife inside an assisted living facility located in the 1400 block of East 75th Street. Residents had allegedly heard yelling and feared for their safety.
Officers located the man’s unit and attempted to resolve the situation peacefully, using a key to gain access after the individual refused to open the door.
Bodycam Footage Shows Near-Fatal Encounter
Once inside, officers were met by 47-year-old Alfonso Wright, who reportedly shouted erratically before rushing at them wielding a large butcher knife.
The sergeant deployed his Taser in an attempt to stop Wright. Footage shows him issuing repeated commands:
“Get down! Get down! Don’t make me do it again!” the sergeant is heard shouting.
Despite the stun attempt, Wright advanced with the knife raised overhead, lunging directly at the sergeant.
“Get him! Get him! Get him!” the officer yelled as he narrowly dodged the incoming attack.
Two backup officers stationed outside the apartment then discharged their firearms, fatally striking Wright before he could harm anyone.
Second Victim Found in Same Building
Hours after the police-involved shooting, officers discovered a second crime scene. The body of 58-year-old Keith Harding was found stabbed to death in another unit on the same floor of the building.
Investigators believe Wright was responsible for Harding’s murder prior to confronting the officers. The timeline and motive behind the stabbing are still under investigation.
Use Of Force Under Civilian Review
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability has opened an investigation into the incident, as is standard in all police shootings.
COPA released multiple videos Wednesday, including:
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Bodycam footage from the sergeant involved
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Footage from the backup officers’ vantage point
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A report summary detailing the initial 911 call and follow-up actions
These materials are available for public review, though COPA warns some may find the footage disturbing.
Viewers can access the full video archive and case materials via the official COPA case page.
Community Reaction And Next Steps
While no officers were physically injured, the incident has drawn renewed attention to mental health crises inside residential facilities and the challenges police face during volatile calls.
Community advocates have asked for increased funding for non-violent crisis response units, while police unions have praised the officers’ restraint under threat.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further details — including autopsy reports and witness interviews — are expected in the coming weeks.
What are your thoughts on how this incident was handled? Do you think police de-escalation tactics need improvement, or were their actions justified? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
