Reward now $13,000 in Chicago officer's death

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Police officials said Officer Clifton Lewis was shot during a robbery Dec. 29, while working as a security guard at a grocery store in Chicago. The eight-year police veteran was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. (AP Photo/Chicago Police Department)
Police officials said Officer Clifton Lewis was shot during a robbery Dec. 29, while working as a security guard at a grocery store in Chicago. The eight-year police veteran was pronounced dead at Stroger Hospital. (AP Photo/Chicago Police Department)

CHICAGO - Ministers and other community leaders gathered to urge the public to work with the police in apprehending suspects in the shooting death of an off-duty Chicago police officer.

The Rev. Ira Acree said the group pooled $2,000 into a reward fund for information that could help solve the slaying of Officer Clifton Lewis, who was working as a security guard at a convenience store when he was killed trying to break up a robbery.

``We were devastated and traumatized by this horrific murder,'' Acree said. ``We made an appeal to the residents to be forthcoming with leads. We told them, `Do not honor the code of silence.'''

Acree asked the public to make donations to the Officers Clifton Lewis Reward Fund at U.S. Bank. The money is in addition to $11,000 that the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and others have posted in the case.

Acree said he and other ministers spent time praying with the officer's family.

The Chicago Police Department asked for help in finding the men who shot and killed Lewis. Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said authorities had ``some significant leads,'' including surveillance video that shows two people entering the M&M Quick Foods store in Chicago's Austin neighborhood. But he said they still need more help.

Those with information are asked to call 888-YPO-SHOT. AP

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