A 35 year-old Illinois State Trooper was found in his squad car with a single gunshot wound yesterday on northbound I-94 near 43rd Street. He would later be pronounced dead at a local hospital.
In a press release issued late yesterday, ISP indicated that at approximately 1:42 p.m. Friday, Trooper Gerald Mason #6218 was found in his squad car on Interstate 94 northbound in the local lanes at 43rd Street with a single gunshot wound. Citizens, Chicago Police Department (CPD) Officers, and Illinois State Police Troopers arrived on scene and CPD transported him to a local hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.
At approximately 2:16 p.m., Trooper Mason succumbed to his injuries.
“It is with profound heartache and unfathomable sadness that we inform you of the death of Trooper Gerald Mason. Trooper Mason was one of the many fearless Troopers assigned to ISP District Chicago. We are asking the public to respectfully give consideration to the family of Trooper Mason and the whole ISP family while we continue to grieve and work through this tragedy,” stated Director Brendan Kelly.
Trooper Mason was 35 years old and a 11 year veteran of the Illinois State Police. Additional information will be released once it becomes available.
