Police Officer Enrique Martinez | Star #8314

Police Officer Enrique Martinez, Star #8314, aged 26 years, was a 2 year, 10 month, 9 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 6th District – Gresham.

On November 4, 2024 at 8:30 p.m., Officer Martinez and his partner Police Officer Francisco Nunez #8377 were on duty working beat 622 when they attempted to conduct a traffic stop at 8040 South Ingleside Avenue. The Black 2011 Ford Escape contained three occupants; Darion McMillian, age 23, of 14523 Myrtle Avenue, Harvey, IL (Driver); Mario Chambers, age 23, of 544 East 148th Street, Harvey, IL (Front Passenger) and Kenyon Lewis, age 25, of 1227 West 96th Street (Rear Passenger). As the officers approached the vehicle McMillian began to fire at Officer Martinez striking him several times, Officer Nunez then returned fire. In the process, McMillian also shot Chambers who was seated in the front passenger seat. McMillin after firing multiple rounds in rapid succession attempted to flee the scene in the vehicle, striking an officer. The vehicle then crashed nearby into a parked car. McMillian then fled on foot. A 10-1 was called and additional responding officers arrived, securing the scene, and began the search for McMillian. Officer Martinez was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital by responding officers where he was pronounced deceased by Dr. Tataris at approximately 8:45 p.m. on November 4, 2024.

Responding officers began their search and located a witness who was able to direct officers and provide a description of McMillian. While touring the area beat 471 observed a subject matching the description given by the witness. The subject was walking south bound on Maryland Avenue approaching 81st Street. Beat 471, Police Officer Henry Capouch #4523 and Police Officer Troy Cephas #8320, detained the subject for further investigation. A show up was conducted and a positive ID was made identifying the subject as the fleeing offender. Responding officers also detained Kenyon Lewis after finding him unconscious in the back seat of the offending vehicle. Mario Chambers was also found in the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the scene. McMillan was subsequently charged with First Degree Murder. Three firearms were recovered recovered from the vehicle and offenders in addition to cannabis and crack cocaine.

Officer Martinez was waked at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, located at 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL. His funeral mass was held at St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel, located at 7740 South Western Avenue. He was laid to rest on November 18, 2024 in Beverly Cemetery, 12000 South Kedzie Avenue, Blue Island, Illinois.

Police Officer Enrique Martinez, born May 24, 1898, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on December 27, 2021, and was issued Star #8314 on June 27, 2022. He earned 1 Department Commendation, 1 Life Saving Award, the Military Service Award, 12 Honorable Mentions and 1 Emblem of Recognition for Physical Fitness during his career.

Officer Martinez was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was survived by his fiancée, Lesly Hernandez; grandmother; parents: Adrian and Rosa (nee Mayen) and siblings: Angelica and Adrian (Mercedes) Martinez Garcia (CPD).

Incident Recorded Under Chicago Police Department RD #JH495872.

On May 24, 2026, the 3600 block of South Komensky Avenue was dedicated as “Honorary Enrique Martinez Avenue.” One brown honorary street sign was erected. The sign was located at 6314 S. Komensky Avenue in the heart of the West Lawn on the block Officer Martinez grew up on.