Chicago Police Commander Gunned Down At Thompson Center (VIDEO)

CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago police commander helping a tactical team was shot and killed Tuesday afternoon at the Thompson Center, according to the department. Cmdr. Paul Bauer was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, an emotional Supt. Eddie Johnson said at a brief press conference at the hospital.

According to Johnson, Chicago tactical officers on "routine patrol" witness an individual acting suspicious and approached him. Johnson did not indicate the location of this confrontation, but police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi had said the incident happened at the Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St.

The suspicious individual escaped police and fled on foot, Johnson said. Bauer — who had been at the Thompson in street clothes for a training session — when he heard the radio alert describing the suspect and helped in efforts to apprehend the individual, Johnson added.

Bauer confronted the suspect, and the two became "engaged in … an armed physical exchange," according to Johnson. That's when Bauer was shot multiple times, he added.

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"Unfortunately, Cmdr. Bauer … passed away," Johnson said, choking back tears as he talked to reporters.

Police apprehended the individual, and a weapon was recovered, Johnson said. No other details about the shooting were given by the superintendent.

"It's a difficult day today, but we will get through it," Johnson said.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the suspect in custody who Bauer and police were pursuing had four previous felony arrests and convictions. Before Tuesday's incident, the man was last arrested by Chicago police in 2014, the report added.

In the 2014 incident, the 44-year-old man was convicted of drug possession and sentenced to two years in prison, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The suspect was sentenced to 16 years in prison for armed robbery in 1998, and he received 30 days of community service for a battery conviction in 2011, the report added.

The man also was convicted for possession of a defaced firearm in 2007 and sentenced to three years in prison, the report stated. At that time, the suspect was charged with possessing body armor as a felon, and he allegedly was wearing body armor during Tuesday's incident, the Sun-Times reports.

Like Supt. Johnson, Bauer was critical of lenient sentencing for violent offenders.

"Even when we catch somebody, there’s still a long way to go to get them off the street," he told the Loop North News in a November 2017 interview.

Bauer, 53, had been with the Chicago Police Department for more than 30 years and was a commander in the 18th District. He is survived by a wife, who works for Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs, and a daughter.

Spokesman Guglielmi said Johnson asked officers in the 18th District, which is also called the Near North District, to honor Bauer by supporting one another, as well as Bauer's family following the shooting.

"CPD officers will step in for Paul & take his young daughter to school from here on in," he said.

An honor procession of police vehicles left the hospital at around 5 p.m. to take Bauer's body to the Cook County medical examiner's office. The procession stretched almost all the way back to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron St., even as the ambulance reached the medical examiner's office, 2121 W. Harrison St.

Harrison was closed between Western and Ogden Avenue for the procession. A gathering of Chicago firefighters met the ambulance in order to salute the fallen commander.

"The hearts of every Chicagoan are heavy as we mourn the loss Commander Paul Bauer," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. "Commander Bauer stood for the highest ideals of our police department and our city — to serve and protect the people of Chicago. His death is a tragic reminder of the dangerous duty the men and women of our police department accept to ensure the safety of us all."

Gov. Bruce Rauner also passed along his condolences to Bauer's family.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and colleagues of the officer tragically lost in a shooting at the Thompson Center today," he said in an online statement.

Other lawmakers, community leaders, groups and agencies expressed their sadness over Bauer's death, as well:

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle: "I was heartbroken to learn of the death of Chicago Police Department Commander Paul Bauer. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and CPD colleagues and I ask residents of Cook County to join me in keeping them in their thoughts and prayers at this time."

Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham: “The FOP and its members mourn the senseless and tragic loss of Commander Bauer and ask for prayers for him and his family.”

U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL 2nd District): "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Commander Paul Bauer. Unfortunately, the number of shooting deaths of police officers continue rising while @HouseGOP does nothing to stop #gunviolence."

State Sen. Bill Brady (R-44th District): "My thoughts and prayers go out this evening to the family of Cmdr. Paul Bauer."

Commissioner Rosa Escareno, Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection: "We lost a hero today. Chicago is safer and stronger because of Paul R. Bauer who most recently served as 18th District Police Commander. He was our friend and colleague — always putting Chicagoans’ safety first. Our deepest condolences to his loving family and many friends."

Former Congressman Joe Walsh: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and fellow officers of Chicago Police Department 18th District Commander Paul Bauer, who was shot and killed earlier today at the Thompson Center. We must never forget the sacrifices of our Cops. #ThankYouBlue"

Los Angeles Police Department: "Another city and another department has lost a true hero! Chicago Police Commander Paul Bauer, a 31 year veteran, was senselessly murdered today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the city of Chicago, their police department and all affected by this tragedy."

New York Police Department: "It’s with a heavy heart we send our condolences to yet another police agency. Commander Paul Bauer was shot and killed backing his fellow officers & protecting the people of Chicago. We stand hand in hand with the men & women of Chicago during these difficult times.

Springfield, Missouri, police Chief Paul Williams: "The commitment-and danger- remains the same, regardless of rank. RIP Commander Bauer."

Patch will continue to update this story.

Chicago police Cmdr. Paul Bauer (Photo via Chicago Police Department)