State Representative Dan Ugaste reacted to the death of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez in a November 5 Facebook post, stating, "Rest in peace Officer Martinez and my deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and colleagues."
"My heart breaks for the family, friends, and colleagues of Chicago Police Officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday night on the city's south side," said Ugaste, according to Facebook. "Officer Martinez was working to protect his community, and we all mourn this senseless tragedy. I stand with all of our first responders and will continue to support our heroic police officers who risk their lives every day to protect us. Rest in peace Officer Martinez and my deepest sympathies to your family, friends, and colleagues."
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 identified Officer Martinez in a November 4 Facebook post. According to the post, "Earlier tonight we lost a hero who was working to make this city safer. Officer Enrique Martinez was only 26 years old with his whole life a career ahead. The details and likely criminal background of the offenders will be out soon enough. Tonight, tomorrow and for eternity, we honor his sacrifice!"
In his statement, Ugaste referred to the death of Chicago police officer Enrique Martinez, who was shot and killed while on duty during the night of November 4. WGN 9 reports that Martinez, aged 26, had been with the department for almost three years and worked out of the sixth district. The report states that around 8 p.m. on Monday, officers stopped a vehicle in the 8000 block of S. Ingleside Ave., in Chatham neighborhood. As officers approached, the driver fired multiple shots, hitting Martinez and possibly a passenger in the vehicle who was also killed. A second officer was injured when the driver attempted to flee and struck him.
ABC7 reports that an officer discharged his weapon at the scene and that firearms belonging to officers involved are being scrutinized. The officer struck by the vehicle is reportedly in fair condition according to ABC7. The station also reports that after hitting the second officer with the vehicle, the shooter attempted to escape but was apprehended a few blocks away.
"We have to do everything that we can to keep violent offenders off the street, especially those who are repeating these acts," said Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling in an ABC7 report. "If we don't do that, then we're failing our citizens. We're failing our children. We're failing their futures."
Dan Ugaste has represented Illinois' 65th House District since 2018. He is a former attorney and shareholder at Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry where he focused on workers' compensation defense and related litigation. Ugaste has served as President of the Lake Forest College Alumni Board and held leadership roles in various bar associations and committees.
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