By Bob Bong
Khambrel Lee
An off-duty Oak Lawn police sergeant was shot five times Monday afternoon during an argument at a trucking business in the 10800 block of South Central Avenue where he was working security.
Police said an employee arrived at MN89 trucking about noon on Monday and got into an argument with other employees before turning and walking away. The sergeant and a second security guard were close enough to hear the argument.
A moment later, the employee pulled a semi-automatic handgun from his coat pocket and aimed at the off-duty sergeant. A second security guard fired at least one round at the suspect before he fired five rounds at the sergeant, who was struck multiple times in his Kevlar vest and once in the leg.
The suspect’s gun jammed and the sergeant and second security guard were able to subdue the suspect with assistance from other employees.
Khambrel Lee, 35, of Lauderhill, Florida, was charged with one count of attempted murder. He was ordered held at Cook County Jail. His next scheduled court date is April 2 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.
The shooting took place near Richards High School, which went on a short shelter-in-place.
The sergeant applied a tourniquet to his leg and was later transported to Advocate Christ Medical Center where he was treated for his wounds and released. The second security guard suffered minor injuries, but refused medical attention.
Police said Lee has a prior history of arrests in the state of Florida. Those charges include arrests for domestic violence, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and a host of drug related charges.
Police said Lee alluded to the fact that God and his gun jamming are the only reasons the sergeant wasn’t shot in the head.
Lee’s gun recovered at the scene is a .45 caliber Springfield Armory XD45that was legally purchased by the offender in Florida. The gun will be sent to the ATF for ballistics and an inquiry to determine if the gun has been used in any other crimes.
Lee was also found in possession of two additional magazines loaded with 13 rounds each at the time of his arrest.