Chicago off-duty police officer shot and killed father who confronted him after he mowed down his four-year-old daughter

An off-duty Chicago police officer, who accidentally crashed into a 4-year-old girl with his motorcycle while she was crossing the street with her 18-year-old cousin, shot and killed the child’s father as he came running to her rescue.

Authorities said Christopher Middleton was inside his home around 10:30 p.m. Saturday when he heard what sounded like an accident outside.

As the 26-year-old father ran outside of his home he saw his baby girl lying on the street with the skin of her face peeled off.

An emotional Middleton and the child’s 18-year-old cousin John Passley approached the officer and began beating him and the officer pulled out his gun and opened fire hitting Middleton.

Middleton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities and Witnesses gave two different versions as to what happened.

Police said the 43-year-old off-duty officer was riding his motorcycle on First Avenue in the Maywood section of Chicago when the child, Taniyah, and her cousin came out from nowhere into the officer’s path.

The officer, who has not been identified, tried to avoid the child by throwing himself off the bike, but the motorcycle flew straight into the little girl.

Police said Middleton and Passley jumped on top of the officer and began beating him.  They said the officer identified himself as a cop and they continued to beat him.  The cop then opened fire hitting Middleton.

Witnesses said the officer never identified himself until after he killed Middleton.

Tania and the officer were taken to Loyola University Medical Center, where they were treated for their injuries.

Passley, who was also hit by the motorcycle, did not require medical assistance.

The accident is still being investigated.