On August 19, 2001, at approximately 9:15 p.m., 37-year-old African American Patrolman Eric Dwayne Lee, a nine-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, was on duty in the Englewood neighborhood. Alongside his partner, Patrolman Andre Green, aged 38, they responded to a call from narcotics officers requesting assistance for drug surveillance. The officers convened in an alley on the 6300 block of South Carpenter Street.
While there, Officer Green observed a physical altercation at the north end of the alley and alerted his colleagues. The officers, dressed in civilian attire with badges displayed, approached the scene where three men were assaulting another individual.
The confrontation began when Aloysius Oliver, a 26-year-old gang member and convicted felon, confronted Lamar Logan for urinating on a garbage can behind Oliver's residence. Oliver, along with his associates, including 24-year-old Tommie Leach, initiated a violent assault on Logan. As the officers approached and identified themselves as police, Oliver removed a .357 caliber Ruger GP-100 revolver from his pocket and fled eastbound into a gangway with Leach. Officer Lee and Officer Green sought cover behind a garage before re-entering the alley in search of Oliver. Oliver, who had been waiting behind the garage, emerged and fired twice at the officers. Officer Lee was struck in the right temple and collapsed onto the pavement. He was transported to Christ Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Following the shooting, Oliver fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after by Officer Vince Barner, who had pursued him through a gangway. Oliver's .357 caliber revolver, later identified as stolen, was recovered at the scene. Further investigation revealed that the firearm had been reported stolen from a residence in Wisconsin earlier that year. Oliver was charged with first-degree murder, and on January 23, 2004, he was found guilty and subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Leach was charged with aggravated assault and held on a $150,000 bond.
Officer Lee, born on October 11, 1963, had served with the Chicago Police Department for over nine years and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was survived by his wife, Shawn, their six-year-old daughter, Erica, his parents, and siblings. His dedication to serving the Englewood community was evident in his commitment to his role as a tactical officer, a position he chose despite its inherent dangers. Officer Lee's star was retired and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case at Chicago Police Headquarters, ensuring his service and sacrifice are remembered.
