Authorities in Chicago have released the identity of the young man who died following a police-involved shooting on the city’s North Side. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the individual was 20-year-old Roberto Calvario Jr., a resident of the Albany Park neighborhood. The incident occurred late Tuesday night in the West Ridge community, in an area near North Washtenaw Avenue.
According to information provided by the Chicago Police Department (CPD), the situation began when tactical officers were conducting an investigation involving a vehicle that had previously been reported stolen. The vehicle, which officers found parked and unoccupied, appeared to be a white sedan. While officers were monitoring the area, another vehicle pulled up beside the stolen one. Inside this second car were two men and a woman.
Police say the two men got out of the dark-colored vehicle and attempted to get into the stolen car. As officers moved in to intervene, one of the men fled the scene on foot. Calvario returned to one of the vehicles as officers approached. Police stated that they gave verbal instructions directing him to exit the vehicle, but he did not comply. A struggle reportedly took place as officers attempted to take control of the situation.
During this encounter, police said the vehicle suddenly accelerated, causing an officer who was close to the driver’s side to be dragged. In response to the escalating danger, the officer discharged their weapon. The vehicle then crashed into a parked car that was unoccupied. Officers immediately called for emergency assistance.
Calvario was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. CPD reported that one officer sustained minor injuries during the incident and was taken to a hospital for treatment. The injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and the officer was expected to recover.
A woman who had been in the second vehicle was taken into custody at the scene. According to police, two firearms were also recovered during the initial investigation. Officials did not release additional details about the weapons or their connection to the events that unfolded.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the agency responsible for reviewing police-involved shootings in Chicago, has opened an investigation into the matter. COPA will examine the actions taken by officers, the sequence of events leading to the shooting, and whether department policies were followed. As is standard procedure, the officer who discharged their weapon will be placed on routine administrative duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
Authorities have emphasized that the inquiry is still active, and many details remain under review. Investigators will assess body-worn camera footage, witness statements, physical evidence from the scene, and other relevant materials. Police officials note that more information may be released as the investigation progresses, but only after ensuring that doing so will not compromise the process.
The incident has drawn attention across the community, with residents seeking clarity about what occurred and how the confrontation escalated. Cases involving police use of force are often subject to intense public scrutiny, and COPA’s independent review aims to provide a factual understanding of the circumstances.
Local leaders and community groups have encouraged anyone who witnessed the incident or who has additional information to come forward and assist investigators. Officials reiterated that transparency and cooperation are essential to completing a thorough review of the event and reaching well-supported conclusions.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to gather complete and accurate details while maintaining communication with the public. Community members are awaiting further updates from both CPD and COPA as they seek answers and clarity following the tragic incident.
