CHICAGO — Newly released video footage has shed light on an off-duty Chicago police officer’s dramatic encounter with a man who had just committed a murder in Portage Park.
The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) released six videos and other materials that provide further details about the confrontation between Officer Chris Matias and Constantin Beldie, 57, on November 19, 2024.
At approximately 2:23 p.m. that day, Officer Matias was walking in the 5800 block of West Leland when he witnessed Beldie fatally stabbing his estranged wife, 54-year-old Lacramioara “Mirela” Beldie.
According to police records, Beldie and his wife had been embroiled in a tumultuous and violent relationship, with multiple reports of abuse and threats made by Beldie toward his wife.
Matias, upon observing the crime in progress, immediately reacted by drawing his weapon and firing at Beldie in an attempt to stop the murder.
Video footage shows Matias firing several shots at Beldie, who managed to flee the scene despite being struck.
He quickly climbed into a minivan and sped away from the area. Officer Matias pursued him, but the chase was short-lived.
Beldie was later found dead inside his vehicle a short distance away from the scene of the crime.
The Cook County Medical Examiner determined that Beldie had died from inhaling the exhaust fumes from his vehicle, which he had deliberately used to end his life.
Authorities have not indicated any other injuries or causes of death related to the shooting by Officer Matias.
During the incident, Officer Matias was also injured, though the exact nature of his injuries has not been fully detailed.
The Chicago Police Department confirmed that Matias was shot but did not provide further clarification.
COPA’s statement on Thursday confirmed that Matias sustained injuries, but did not elaborate further on whether these injuries were a result of gunfire or another factor during the incident.
COPA released the six videos that show the entire sequence of events, which includes Matias firing at Beldie and the dramatic pursuit.
The footage has been widely shared and analyzed, sparking discussions on the use of force in such situations and the responsibility of off-duty officers who witness violent crimes.
The videos were made public as part of COPA’s ongoing investigation into the officer’s actions.
This incident follows a series of alarming legal and judicial actions that have been criticized in the aftermath of Beldie’s murder of his wife.
Prior to the fatal attack, Beldie had been involved in multiple legal battles with his wife, including allegations of kidnapping and aggravated domestic battery.
Court records show that prosecutors had requested Beldie’s detention following the kidnapping charge, but Judge Thomas Nowinski rejected the request and released him on a GPS monitor, with an emergency order of protection granted to his wife. The decision sparked controversy, especially after the tragic murder.
In the wake of Beldie’s death, Cook County Chief Judge Timothy Evans announced changes in the handling of domestic violence cases, specifically reassigning Judge Nowinski due to threats he received after his ruling in Beldie’s case.
Nowinski’s record on domestic violence cases had been under scrutiny, with reports showing that he approved only 40% of detention requests in similar cases during a critical period leading up to Beldie’s murder.
The video footage released by COPA, showing the dramatic confrontation between Officer Matias and Beldie, has raised questions about how law enforcement handles off-duty situations.
Matias, who acted quickly to stop the violent crime, has been praised for his quick thinking, but questions remain about whether enough was done to prevent Beldie’s release in the first place.
The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about how the judicial system handles domestic violence cases and whether further safeguards need to be implemented to prevent such tragedies.
The shooting and subsequent death of Constantin Beldie also serve as a grim reminder of the dangers that can emerge from violent domestic relationships.
Beldie’s tragic end, as well as the loss of his wife, Lacramioara, raises broader questions about the effectiveness of orders of protection and whether more robust measures should be in place to protect victims of domestic abuse.
As investigations continue, questions about the decision-making process in Beldie’s case and the actions of the officers involved will likely continue to surface.
The release of the videos has fueled discussions about accountability, the role of off-duty officers, and the steps needed to address domestic violence more effectively in the judicial system.
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