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WNIJ's summary of news items around our state.

Off-Duty Chicago Policeman Killed At Thompson Center Was A Commander

Chicago Police Department

Chicago's police chief says a high-ranking member of the department has died after being shot at a state government building downtown.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson told reporters that Cmdr. Paul Bauer was shot several times. The 53-year-old was off-duty when he went to assist tactical officers pursuing a fleeing robbery suspect near the James R. Thompson Center shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Johnson says the suspect was taken into custody and a gun was recovered at the scene.

Bauer was rushed to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Chicago Tribune reports Bauer joined the force in 1986 and worked all across the city during his career.

  • The Associated Press and WNIJ's Jessie Schlacks contributed to this report.