Overview
- COPA released findings on January 30 clearing two Chicago officers, concluding their gunfire was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm.
- The report says Tracey Watson, 35, was shot on May 27, 2024, on the 300 block of South Cicero Avenue while standing over a man and making stabbing motions after repeated orders to drop a knife.
- Both officers fired, Watson was killed, and the stabbing victim was also struck by gunfire but survived, according to the materials.
- Investigators found the officers used verbal commands and paused between volleys, yet faulted them for not activating body cameras when they began responding after being flagged down.
- COPA posted body-worn camera video and records from the case, while Watson’s relatives continue to dispute that officers ordered him to drop the knife.