Father of two died after being 'shot in back by police' in Chicago

Officers say Maurice Granton, 24, was hit as he produced a weapon after being chased on foot

Tayshia Shaw mourns the loss of the father of her children, 24 year old Maurice Granton Jr, during a vigil in the Bronzeville neighborhood on June 7, 2018 in Chicago (Getty Images/Scott Olson)

A father-of-two who died in Chicago was shot in the back by police, according to a medical examiner.

Maurice Granton, 24, is said to have fled on foot while police carried out a drugs investigation in the city on 6 June.

Officers gave chase and told him to stop, at which point he “produced a weapon” and an “armed encounter” ensued, Chicago Police Department said in a statement.

“An officer discharged his weapon fatally striking the offender,” police added.

“The man was transported to an area hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.”

Cook County Medical Examiner said Mr Granton was fatally shot in the back, ABC News reports.

Police released an image of a weapon they said was recovered from the scene of the incident.

Family, friends and supporters gather in the Bronzeville neighborhood for a vigil to honor 24 year old Maurice Granton Jr. on June 7, 2018 (Getty Images/Scott Olson)

They also released CCTV footage of what they say was Mr Granton sitting down before the shooting and reaching for a weapon in his pocket.

It is unclear what the person in the footage is doing, however.

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), which is currently investigating the incident, said the police officer involved fired their weapon three times.

“While on the scene COPA investigators reviewed police officer body worn camera video, interviewed several individuals and began canvassing the area for additional evidence and witnesses,” they said in a statement.

The weapon Chicago Police Department says was recovered from the scene of the incident (Chicago Police Department)

“Preliminary evidence shows there were three shots discharged from the officer’s firearm and a weapon was recovered on the scene.

“We will continue to gather additional forensic, medical and video evidence from all available sources.”

COPA said it would release video evidence on its website within 60 days.

The officers involved in the shooting have not been named, but they have been placed on routine administrative duties for 30 days.