Chicago detective dies 7 years after being shot

A Chicago police detective who was critically wounded seven years ago while trying to apprehend a suspect has died.

Police say 53-year-old Detective Joseph Airhart Jr. died Tuesday.

Airhart was assigned to the FBI's fugitive task force in 2001 when he pursued bank robbery suspect Daniel Salley into a downtown Chicago apartment building.

Airhart was shot in the head during an exchange of gunfire. Officials say Salley then held Airhart hostage for two hours.

Airhart spent two months in a coma before being released from the hospital. His family says he was unable to speak or walk.

Salley was sentenced in 2006 to life in prison plus 132 years.

Officials say funeral arrangements are pending.