ISP: Trooper shot during Springfield traffic stop still hospitalized, has skull fracture

SPRINGFIELD (WAND) - Illinois State Police have given an update on the condition of a trooper who was shot during a traffic stop in Springfield October 24.

The suspect, Cristobal Santana, 37, of Chicago is facing six counts, including two counts of attempted murder and multiple battery charges.

Trooper Dakotah “Kody” Chapman-Green was shot during the interaction with Santana, ISP said. ISP said Santana fired at least ten shots, and after emptying the gun clip, hit Trooper Chapman-Green in the head with the gun several times, causing facial fractures, a skull fracture, and a brain bleed.

Trooper Chapman-Green is still hospitalized.

“You know the saying, ‘God is good?’ No. He is great,” Trooper Chapman-Green’s mother said Tuesday during a news conference. She said her son has wanted to be in law enforcement since junior high school.

“He cannot wait to come back to work so he can protect all of you,” she added.

Minutes after the press conference ended, ISP released footage of the shooting here. Viewer discretion is advised as the video does depict graphic images of gun violence.

Springfield police and other departments responded to the 1600 block of Toronto Road at 10:44 p.m. on October 24 to reports of an officer shot.

It was also later discovered Santana was wanted in connection with a homicide occurring recently in Chicago.

Santana is suspected of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend, a special education teacher on October 22.

After firing shots at Trooper Chapman-Green and attacking him, Santana fled his vehicle on foot but was taken into custody at 1:58 a.m. on October 25, ISP said.

ISP is investigating the shooting. No additional information is being released at this time.

The public is reminded that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Brewski’s Pub in Springfield is collecting rubber ducks for Trooper Chapman-Green, who owns a Jeep. Leaving ducks on Jeeps is a tradition amongst Jeep owners.

Copyright 2023 WAND-TV, used with permission. All rights reserved.