Illinois: Chicago Murder Suspect Shoots Cop During a Traffic Stop

In a shocking incident, a man suspected of killing his ex-girlfriend was captured on dashcam footage as he opened fire on an Illinois cop during a traffic stop, per the NY Post.

The newly released video reveals the tense moment when the Chicago murder suspect, Cristobal Santana, 37, emerged from his car on October 24, just before 11 PM, to confront Officer Dakotah "Kody" Chapman-Green on Toronto Road in Springfield.

Upon seeing Santana armed with a handgun, Officer Chapman-Green immediately retreated from the vehicle, disappearing from the frame as the gunman aimed his weapon at him.

Santana quickly sought cover behind the car and unleashed a hail of bullets, firing at least 10 shots.

Despite being struck multiple times, Officer Chapman-Green managed to pursue Santana to a nearby parking lot, where the suspect proceeded to assault the injured officer with his gun.

The Illinois cop sustained severe head injuries, including a brain bleed and facial and skull fractures, according to state police.

Santana subsequently fled the scene, while two Good Samaritans rushed in to assist Officer Chapman-Green as he struggled to regain his footing.

He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he is currently in recovery.

Chicago Murder Suspect in Custody

In a later development, Cristobal Santana was apprehended by the police at 1:58 AM the following day after a high-speed pursuit, the Daily Mail reports.

Santana is the prime suspect in the murder of his girlfriend, special needs teacher Adrianna Lopez, 37, in Chicago the previous week.

Additional dashcam footage shows the Chicago murder suspect being struck by a police car as officers attempted to apprehend him. He was taken to the hospital following the collision.

While the Illinois cop continues to recover from his injuries, his fiancée, Maddy Kinsel, expressed her gratitude for his progress, stating, "He still has a long road ahead of him, but God was with him that night and protected him from the absolute worst."

Officer Chapman-Green's father, Jim Green, added, "He loves being a trooper, and he'll never quit being a trooper. He has one speed, and that's go."

Meanwhile, Santana has been charged with five counts, including two counts of first-degree murder, aggravated battery to a police officer, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

He is suspected of fatally shooting his girlfriend, Adrianna Lopez, ten times in the chest outside her Chicago home.

Lopez's family had reportedly sought a protection order against Santana due to his alleged history of violence.

As of now, police have not formally named Santana as a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.

The Illinois Cop

Dakota Chapman-Green, the Illinois cop involved in the incident, is a hometown hero who grew up in the Springfield area and has been committed to serving his community since childhood, according to News Channel 20.

"Kody is down to earth, he's dry humor funny, and he loves his job," says Kris Chapman-Green, Kody's mother.

His mother, Kris Chapman-Green, shared that Kody's desire to become a police officer began in junior high, and that determination remained unwavering as he entered the state police academy.

Despite the challenges he has faced, the Illinois cop is making a remarkable recovery and is already contemplating a return to work.

His mother emphasized his unwavering commitment to making a difference and protecting his community, stating, "If you guys want to call him a hero, he's a hero."

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Wild Dashcam Footage Shows Suspect Shooting Illinois State Police Trooper During Traffic Stop - From PoliceActivity