Clearing Man Robs Bank, Shot by Police After He Points His Gun at an Officer

A Clearing man who robbed the Byline Bank at 4970 S. Archer just after 10:45 a.m.

A selfie Johnson posted on Facebook

Monday. May 9 was, minutes later, shot and killed after he reportedly prepared to fire at police pursuing him.

Michael Johnson, 26, of the 5400 block of West 63rd Place, was chased from the bank by at least one bank employee. He ran west, across Pulaski and then down 50th Street.

Police joined the foot pursuit, according to CPD Superintendent Eddie Johnson at a curbside press conference near 50th and Karlov. "The officers chased the subject down a gangway, at which time the subject turned towards the officers with a weapon," Johnson said. "One of the officers discharged his weapon, striking the offender."

After he was hit, Johnson then fell in a yard in the south end of the 4900 block of South Karlov. He was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to published reports. Police said they recovered Johnson's weapon at the scene.

The chase and shooting occurred about a block south of Edwards Elementary School, 4815 S. Karlov, which was temporarily placed on a soft lockdown as a precaution, according to published reports.

Editor's note: Police initially did not disclose Johnson's identity to the press or public. However, officers at a CAPS Beat 812 meeting did on Wednesday night. A CPD News Affairs spokesman confirmed it the following day to the Southwest Chicago Post.

Mugshot from Winnebago County

Federal Bureau of Investigation agents were gathering evidence at the Byline Bank branch, directly across the street from Curie High School. An FBI spokesman later said Johnson was the same man who had escaped authorities after robbing the Byline Bank branch at 6257 S. Austin at 10:24 a.m. Saturday, May 7.

Authorities said that Johnson had a criminal history, including at least one arrest near Rockford.

Reaction in the neighborhood was swift.

"I heard the gunfire from a distance and wondered what was going on," said Maria Iniguez, an elotero wheeling a cart near Edwards School. "In a situation like this, I worry for los niños (the children). Anything could have happened. I'm glad the police stopped him. I'm sad that someone died, but the police did what they had to do."

Juan Arce said he was at the Archer Heights Branch Library when he heard what had happened.

"I've been a robbery victim myself, more than once," he said. "So it may sound cold, but I

From Johnson's Facebook page.

have no pity for someone who sticks a gun in your face. And you point a gun at a cop--well, what do you think they're going to do in response?"

Steve Kuminskas said he had "just stopped for a cup of coffee" at the New Pindos Restaurant, immediately west of the bank, when he "heard and saw this commotion. I figured out that the guy must have robbed the bank or at least tried to. I only found out later what happened. I've lived around here for over 40 years, and I've lost count of how many times there have been stick-ups at local banks, grocery stores, gas stations and other businesses. It's not a good thing, but it pays to put it in context--that these bank robberies are happening all over, even throughout the suburbs."

A statement released by CPD on Monday afternoon noted that "the specifics of this incident, including the comprehensive use of force investigation, are being investigated by the Independent Police Review Authority with the full cooperation of the CPD. The officer(s) involved will be placed on routine administrative duties for a period of 30 days. This policy will ensure separation from field duties while training and fitness for duty requirements can be conducted. Going forward, this will be standard protocol following all officer-involved shootings."

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