At approximately 3:45 on 07-JUL-2010, Chicago Police Officer Thor Soderberg, Star # 14767, who was working Operation Protect Youth, returned to his vehicle at the end of his tour of duty. The vehicle was located in the parking lot of the police facility at 61st and Racine. While in that parking lot, the uniformed officer became involved in a struggle with a 24-year old male individual. During the struggle, the offender disarmed the officer and fatally shot him.

The offender fled and is believed to have committed an armed robbery a short distance away. He fired additional shots, which were heard by officers inside the police facility. Several officers quickly responded and there was an exchange of gunfire. The offender was shot during that exchange and he was transported to a local hospital for treatment. His injury is considered non-life threatening.

The 43-year old officer was an 11-year veteran of the Department and was most recently assigned to the Education and Training Division.