Retired Chicago Police Officer Killed in Senseless Shooting

A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a retired Chicago police officer, authorities said this week. A second suspect is also being sought.

A 16-year-old boy has been charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a retired Chicago police officer, authorities said this week.

The teen is accused of killing 63-year-old Larry Neuman outside his home on June 20, Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said Monday. A second suspect is also being sought.

Retired Chicago Police Officer Killed in Senseless Shooting

Retired Chicago Police Officer Killed in Senseless Shooting

Neuman was shot outside his home around 11:30 a.m. as he was paying someone who was cutting his grass, Fox Chicago reported. While outside, he saw two people with guns, police said.

"Seeing that these two individuals were armed, Neuman heroically pushed the worker out of harm's way. Neuman then retrieved his firearm from his waistband," said Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti.

Retired Chicago Police Officer Killed in Senseless Shooting

Retired Chicago Police Officer Killed in Senseless Shooting

Two suspects opened fire, and Neuman was wounded. Neuman also fired shots as the suspects fled the scene on foot.

He was taken to a hospital where he died. The teen who was arrested turned himself in after authorities released surveillance video of the two suspects.

"He worked with young people to create a safe environment," Snelling said. "Larry worked to bring peace to his neighborhood, to show our young people there is a better way. In a brazen and senseless act of violence, Larry’s life was taken from him by the very people he committed his life to helping."

Two teen suspects were caught on surveillance video before retired Chicago police officer Larry Neuman was killed last week. (Chicago Police Department)

Neuman joined the Chicago Police Department in the early 1980s and moved to the Bomb and Arson Section in 1988. He retired from the department in 2010, according to police.

"It is with great sadness we mourn the loss of the longest serving explosives technician with the Chicago Police Bomb Squad and a very wonderful human being. Larry was a wealth of knowledge and truly a joy to be around," the Chicago Police Bomb Squad posted on Facebook. "We pray for his soul and his family during this time."

After he retired, he became a minister and worked for the Transportation Security Administration at both Midway International Airport and O'Hare International Airport.

"Just an all-out good person," said Ald. Jason Ervin, who represents the city's 28th Ward. "This is a tough loss today for the City of Chicago."

The shooting of Neuman comes amid a surge in violence in Chicago. According to the Chicago Police Department, there have been more than 800 homicides in the city so far this year, a nearly 30% increase over the same period last year.

The violence has prompted calls for increased police funding and stricter gun control measures. However, there is no consensus on how to address the problem.

In the meantime, the family and friends of Larry Neuman are mourning his loss and remembering his life of service.

"He was a great man," said Neuman's brother, John. "He was always there for me and my family. He was a great role model for our kids. He will be dearly missed."