An off-duty Chicago police officer has been charged withmurdering a homeless man who had allegedly insulted the officer'sgirlfriend after the couple left a River North tavern.
Gregory Becker, 34, who is free on $150,000 bond, fled in hiscar without notifying police or calling 911, prosecutors said.
The officer, who was assigned to the Monroe District, allegedlyshot Joseph Gould, 36, in the head at point-blank range early Sundayat Franklin and Huron.
Becker was arrested several hours later after police traced alicense plate number that witnesses provided, prosecutors said.
A police spokesman said Becker, an officer since 1992, had beenrelieved of his duties, pending reassignment and possible suspension.
The shooting occurred about 12:30 a.m. Sunday, shortly afterBecker and the woman left America's Bar, 219 W. Erie, prosecutorssaid.
Gould, who lived at a homeless shelter, frequented the trendyNear North Side area and washed car windows to earn money.
With wash bucket in hand, Gould allegedly approached the woman,who told authorities he made remarks that "upset" her as she walked afew steps ahead of Becker. Becker exchanged words with Gould, thewoman told authorities.
When Becker began walking toward his car, Gould followed him andharassed him, the woman told authorities. Becker then opened his cartrunk and retrieved a 9-mm. handgun, the woman said.
Prosecutors said the woman claimed she saw the two men strugglefor the weapon but had turned her back when the fatal shot rang out.
The woman also claimed she saw Gould holding his stomach as hefell to the ground. But other witnesses told police Gould washolding his bucket when he fell, prosecutors said.
The medical examiner said Gould died from a gunshot wound to thehead.
Becker, whose bond was set Monday night, is scheduled to appearin Violence Court for a preliminary hearing Aug. 21.
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