37-year-old Cristobal Santana arrested in connection to shooting death of Adrianna Lopez

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 10:47 p.m. in the 1600 block of Toronto Road in Springfield, Sangamon County.

Preliminary information indicates an ISP Trooper interacted with a suspect, 37-year-old Cristobal Santana of Chicago, believed to wanted in connection with a homicide occurring recently in Chicago.

Authorities stated that Santana was responsible for the tragic death of Adrianna Lopez, a teacher at Chicago Public Schools.

For Adrianna Lopez’s family, the reality of the situation is hard to accept. At 37 years old, Lopez was near her residence in the 5400 block of South Narragansett Avenue when, according to police, she was approached by a familiar face in a dark-colored SUV shortly after 9:30 p.m.

Family members confirm that Lopez was a dedicated special education teacher at Nathan S. Davis Elementary School in Brighton Park.

Following the attainment of her master’s degree, she harbored ambitions of becoming a school principal. Her loved ones emphasize that Lopez’s students were her top priority.

During the interaction, gunshots were fired and the Trooper was struck in the leg.

Santana fled his vehicle on foot, but was taken into custody at 1:58 a.m. No other police officers were injured.

Toronto Road is closed from Cotton Hill Road to Horseview Drive for an extended and unknown period of time and drivers will need to seek a different route.

ISP is investigating the shooting. The investigation is in its infancy and no additional information is available at this time.

ISP will provide updates as more information becomes available. Please contact the Chicago Police Department for more information about the homicide.

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