A Chicago mother is raising alarm regarding the Chicago Police Department’s failure to respond in a timely manner to a call she placed about a home invasion.
A Chicago mother is raising alarm regarding the Chicago Police Department’s failure to respond in a timely manner to a call she placed about a home invasion. The homeowner only used her first name when speaking to the press about the incident, but says she was made to wait for four hours before police responded.
“I saw two men wearing masks standing inside my house,” Michelle said. “I screamed – ‘I am calling the police’ and they bolted.”
After quickly chasing the men with a neighbor, Michelle then followed through on her threat and called the police. She was instructed by a dispatcher to wait outside, which she did before calling 911 again, multiple times. On the sixth try, she was able to get a hold of another dispatcher and asked to speak to a supervisor.
“A gentleman got on and said sorry to say we have no units to send you…then there was an awkward pause,” Michelle told NBC 5. “He also recommended I call my alderman and I said why- and he said encourage him to hire more police. The dispatcher also asked me if I would consider defending myself …if I had a weapon or considered getting one.”
Michelle, however, does not blame the police for their delay, telling NBC 5, “I don’t think it is the police department’s fault they are overstaffed and overwhelmed.”
Chicago Police informed the outlet that the delay was most likely because no one’s life was in immediate danger, but city politicians like 1st Ward Alderman Daniel LaSpata are seeking some measure of accountability and change from the Chicago Police Department.
“It is awful that our neighbor experienced this, everyone deserves to feel safe in their home. My staff alerted me to the issue as soon as they heard, and I am in contact with 12th District Police leadership.” LaSpata wrote in a statement. “I will continue to support any resources our districts request, and I will continue to work with the City on a proposed satellite location within West Town for the 12th District police.”
RELATED CONTENT: Man Calls 911 to Lure South Carolina Deputies Into Shooting
Source: Black Enterprise
