Chicago news crew attacked near Adler Planetarium

CHICAGO — Police are investigating after a news crew was attacked while working near Adler Planetarium on Monday afternoon.

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The incident was reported around 4:25 p.m. in the 900 block of East Solidarity Drive, just outside the planetarium.

CBS Chicago said a reporter and photographer were preparing for a newscast when two men rushed toward them, shouting racial slurs at one of the journalists.

Chicago police said one man directed a dog to attack a victim, but the dog didn’t engage. One of the men then smashed the photographer’s camera while the other damaged the news van’s windshield, CBS Chicago reported.

Video captured by an NBC Chicago photographer at the scene showed camera equipment on the ground, surrounded by police tape, and heavy damage to the van’s front windshield.

Following the incident, the suspects left in a white truck and fled the scene in an unknown direction.

A CBS spokesperson said in a statement, “We are shocked and horrified by this crime and we are grateful that our journalists are safe.”

Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, of Chicago’s 12th Ward, said officers arrested three suspects after a pursuit ended at West 36th Street and South California Avenue. Authorities said the suspects were fleeing from the incident involving the CBS Chicago crew.

No injuries were reported.

Area Three detectives were investigating.