Attempted Murder of Police Officer Arrest - Shahlem Groover
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Officers activated their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop in the 5800 block of Morton Street. Prior to pulling over, officers noticed the driver leaning toward the passenger side of the vehicle, and then quickly sitting upright again. After stopping the vehicle, officers approached and observed that the driver appeared visibly nervous. Officers informed the driver about the expired registration and requested vehicle registration and insurance documents. The driver complied, producing the requested documents, although notably not from the passenger side where he had previously leaned.
The documentation provided matched the vehicle; however, the displayed license plate did not correspond to the paperwork. When officers informed the driver of this discrepancy, he expressed disbelief and requested to exit the vehicle to inspect the tag himself.
Upon exiting the vehicle, the driver began slowly sidestepping away from the officers, exhibiting behavior indicative of an intention to flee. Officers performed a safety check of the vehicle’s interior for weapons before instructing the driver to return to the car. At this time, officers noted the glove compartment was locked and asked the driver to unlock it. The driver refused, becoming irate and defensive.
After re-entering the vehicle, officers again requested that he open the glove compartment. The driver continued to refuse, grew increasingly agitated, rolled up the vehicle windows, locked the doors, placed the vehicle into gear, and fled.
Officers pursued the vehicle to the 300 block of Mechanic Street, where the driver stopped abruptly, exited the vehicle, and fled on foot eastbound. During the foot pursuit, officers observed the suspect stumble and noticed he was holding a firearm. An officer caught up to the suspect and attempted to apprehend him from behind. The suspect then turned toward the officer, discharged a single shot missing the officer and discarded the firearm. The officer successfully restrained the suspect after a physical struggle.
A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of multiple packets of narcotics inside the vehicle.
The suspect was identified as Shahlem Groover, a 45-year-old male residing at the 100 block of Haines Street. He was charged with Attempted Murder, Assault on Law Enforcement, Aggravated Assault, Evading Arrest, and related offenses.