Chicago police get threatening phone calls

CHICAGO, July 22 (UPI) -- The Chicago Police Department said it received telephone threats on the lives of police officers in the wake of three recent killings of officers.

The threats were on the lives of officers who patrol the South Side's Chatham community, where two of the three recent police killings, of Officers Michael Bailey and Thomas Wortham, occurred, Chicago's WBBM-AM and WBEZ-FM reported Thursday.

The calls said gang members were talking about ambushing police in Chatham.

Police learned of the threats during roll calls this week. Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis said, adding the department takes the threats seriously but, has not yet found them to be credible.

Officer Michael Bailey was shot and killed outside his home after he leaving work Sunday. The search continues for his killers.

Police Superintendent Jody Weis said police have gotten anonymous tips and evidence is still being processed in the Bailey slaying.

Police and other groups are offering a $55,000 reward for information.

"We don't care if the motivation is reward money, good citizenship or whatever. Just please let us get these criminals off the street. If they kill a police officer, the question comes up, 'Who's next?'" said Weis.