CITY OF EVANSTON

EVANSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

RICHARD EDDINGTON, CHIEF OF POLICE

1454 ELMWOOD AVENUE EVANSTON, ILLINOIS 60201-4360

TEL 847-866-5005  FAX 847-866-9686

c-mml:reddington@cityofevanston.org

14 July 2015

ASIS North Shore Chapter Officer Appreciation Committee P.O.Box 5321

Vernon Hills,Illinois   60061

Dear Committee:

On behalf of the Evanston Police Department, I am submitting the heroic actions taken by Sergeant Mark

Poya on October 16,2014.

Sgt. Mark Poya was off-duty in a neighborhood establishment watching a football game when two armed men walked into location displaying firearms and announced a hold-up.Sgt. Poya kept his composure and observed the situation, then when one patron fled out the side door in an attempt to get away. One of the armed offenders began to chase after the man. At this time, Sgt. Poya realized that the patron  was in immediate danger if caught by the armed man. Sgt. Poya then exited the same door of the establishment and observed the offender standing over the patron while pointing a firearm at the patron's head.

Sgt. Poya at that time announced his office and engaged the armed offender with an exchange of gunfire. As this was taking place, the second offender had now left the establishment and caused Sgt.Poya to take cover behind a parked vehicle during which time the exchange of gunfire continued with the two offenders. The offenders then made their way to a vehicle and fled the scene.

No patrons were injured during the armed encounter. Sgt.Poya disregarded his own personal safety in this incident while off-duty to protect a citizen from being a victim of potential gun violence during this violent crime. The investigation showed based on witness statements, that if Sgt. Poya had not taken the actions of engaging the offenders, several citizens may have been seriously injured or killed by the armed men. Based on these actions, the Evanston Police Department is submitting this recommendation for ASIS to recognize this distinguished act of bravery and courage during an armed encounter.

Sincerely,

Richard Eddington

Chief of Police