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Three charged with attempted murder of North Chicago police officer

A series of shootings and a vehicle chase Sunday morning led to the attempted murder of a North Chicago police officer, authorities said Wednesday.

North Chicago police responded shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday to a shooting near the intersection of Argonne Drive and Jackson Street, according to Lake County prosecutors. Police officers reported finding several spent bullet casings in the area.

Subsequently, officers responded to another shooting on the 1500 block of Broadway Avenue. Police found a Lyft driver whose vehicle had been shot several times.

While police were still at that scene, officerse were sent to the 14th Street and Dugdale Road after reports of shots fired from one moving vehicle into another, authorities said.

A police officer on patrol located the vehicle suspected in the shooting about 3:14 a.m. near 19th and Grove streets. After a traffic stop, a chase ensued during which one of the occupants of the vehicle fired at least two gunshots at the pursuing officer, authorities said.

Three suspects were taken into custody when the chase ended.

Raymond Steward, 26, of North Chicago, and James Towns, 27, and Willie Bell, 28, both of Waukegan, are charged with first-degree attempted murder of a peace officer, reckless discharge of a firearm and aggravated discharge of a firearm, according to the Lake County State's attorney's affice.

"The officers involved in these incidents displayed the utmost degree of restraint, teamwork courage and professionalism," Police Chief Lazaro Perez said in a news release Wednesday. "Despite the imminent danger of being fired upon, the pursuing officer maintained his composure, tracked the offenders, and assisted in their safe apprehension."

James Towns, 27, of Waukegan
Willie Bell, 29, of Waukegan
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