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