On March 1, 2023, Chicago Police Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso, 32, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic incident in the Gage Park neighborhood. The incident occurred in the 5200 block of South Spaulding Avenue, near Sawyer Elementary School, where officers were called about a man with a gun chasing a woman.
Officer Vasquez-Lasso and his partner responded to the call and observed the suspect, 18-year-old Steven S. Montano, fleeing the scene on foot.
The officers gave chase, and as they attempted to stop Montano, he opened fire on Officer Vasquez-Lasso at 5217 South Spaulding Avenue. Vasquez-Lasso was struck multiple times, including a gunshot wound to his left temple, a through-and-through wound to his left forearm, and another to his left calf. Despite being mortally wounded, Vasquez-Lasso returned fire, striking Montano several times.
The shooting occurred within the fence of an elementary school parking lot while children were playing nearby. Several people, including multiple children on the playground, took cover under a slide during the incident. The entire confrontation was captured on Vasquez-Lasso's body camera.
Vasquez-Lasso was transported to Mount Sinai Hospital by a Chicago Fire Department ambulance, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 5:28 p.m..
Steven Montano was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and other misdemeanors related to the incident. During the bond hearing, a Cook County judge denied Montano bond, and he was ordered to be held without bond.
Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso was a five-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department and had a promising career ahead of him. He was born in Colombia and moved to the United States with his family at the age of 18. His funeral service was held at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, and he was laid to rest following a procession and private interment. The community and law enforcement members gathered to pay their respects to the fallen officer.
In recognition of his service, West Marquette Road between South Central Park Avenue and South Hamlin Avenue in the West Lawn neighborhood was approved to be named Honorary Police Officer Andres M. Vasquez Lasso Road in January 2024.
