Editor’s note: This incident serves as a painful reminder that although extremely difficult in some scenarios, particularly in solo-patrol encounters, expanding situational awareness to areas outside of the immediate contact is crucial. In these times of tight budgets and decreased numbers of available officers, using contact/cover tactics isn’t always possible, but if backup is available, use it. As a cover officer, be sure to make every effort possible to stay alert to threats in the immediate area of contact as well as those that may surface from a distance. When practicing your when/then thinking, remember that an attack can come at any time and from any angle.
A 28-year-old man was charged today with shooting a Stone Park police officer with a shotgun from a nearby strip mall as the officer conducted a traffic stop early this morning, police in the west suburban city said.
Rashaun Carlisle, of Melrose Park, has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery with a firearm and unlawful use of a firearm, police said in a statement.
The police officer, three-year-veteran Robert Vicari, was hit in the face and shoulder, but was not seriously hurt, authorities said. Vicari was back home this afternoon, said Stone Park Mayor Beniamino Mazzulla.
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