Teen Charged in Shooting Death of Veteran Police Employee

“The Chicago Police Department is a family, whether you’re sworn or civilian”.

John Buckner impressed his 11-year-old grandson and a few friends on his block last month when he pulled up in front of his Far South Side home in a brand-new Dodge Charger.

Prosecutors say the gunmen fired first on a group of friends sitting on a porch and hit a 41-year-old man in the ear. Buckner and the man weren’t together at the time the shooting and were randomly struck by the shots.

Buckner was shot in the abdomen, and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m., authorities said.

Speaking at a news conference Friday, Chicago police Deputy Chief Eugene Roy provided few specifics about the investigation but said two other suspects are still being sought.

Buckner was a civilian employee of the CPD was assigned to the general support division, according to police.

A witness who was behind the three cyclists saw them shoot at Buckner, his wife and grandson, Przekota said.

Roy said detectives used their “unique and specialized street knowledge” to find Cochran.

Soon, William Cochran and two others, armed and riding by on bicycles, opened fire, Assistant Cook County state’s attorney Kim Przekota said. He was due in court Friday.

Police said neither man was the intended target.

Police said that Cochran was “identified” as the person responsible for shooting Buckner but would not elaborate.

Cochran was a documented gang member, according to police.

“It’s my honest hope that they quick resolution will bring them a few semblance of peace”, Roy said.