CHICAGO – A Chicago police officer was shot and killed unintentionally by a fellow officer Thursday night during a foot chase on the city’s South Side, according to authorities.
What we know:
The incident began around 9:50 p.m. when officers from the 6th District Tactical Team attempted to stop a male suspect in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. Police say the suspect fled into a nearby building, prompting officers to pursue him inside.
Inside the residence, officers encountered the suspect armed with a rifle. During the confrontation, a Chicago police officer fired shots, striking 36-year-old Officer Krystal Rivera.
The suspect ran from the residence but was later taken into custody. Three firearms were recovered at the scene.
Rivera suffered a gunshot wound to the back and died at a nearby hospital. Her death was ruled a homicide.
“We ask that the city continue to pray for fallen Officer Krystal Rivera’s family during this heartbreaking time. We also ask that the people of Chicago pray for Officer Rivera’s partner as he faces the loss of his fellow CPD family member. Though her loss weighs heavy on our department, we will continue to do all we can to protect our city in memory of Officer Rivera and her sacrifice,” CPD said in a statement.
Rivera is survived by a young daughter.
“She did great work and if you talk to anyone on her team, they will tell you how great of a worker she was,” CPD Supt. Larry Snelling said. “This is the risk that our officers take every single day.”
Another officer suffered a wrist injury and was hospitalized in fair condition.
The Chicago Police Department’s Investigative Response Team is handling the investigation, and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability has been notified.
What we don’t know:
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect.
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation statement
“The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation family, like so many Chicagoans and the entire law enforcement community, is full of heartbreak and sorrow today over the tragic and untimely loss of Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera.
“Four years into a promising career and Officer Rivera had already earned the respect of her colleagues and superiors. Krystal was a hard-working, tough police officer who led by example and was a mentor to younger officers coming on the job.
“She represented everything we want our police officers to be: smart, assertive, tough, compassionate and professional. Krystal greeted each tour of duty with zeal and enthusiasm and worked every day to make Chatham, and our city, safer.
“But more than her love of being a Chicago Police officer, she loved her colleagues and her family dearly. We pray for her daughter, especially, and promise to support her in every way we can in the days, weeks and years to come.
“The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation and the Chicago Police Gold Star Families will be providing emotional and financial support to Officer Rivera’s family in the coming days. And true to its mission, the Foundation pledges to be at their side to help them navigate the profound grief they are experiencing.
“People who are called to selflessly place the safety and well-being of others ahead of their own are deserving of our deepest respect and gratitude. We encourage everyone to keep Officer Rivera and all Chicago Police officers close to their own hearts today as we mourn yet another senseless loss for the Chicago Police Department and our city.”
The Source: The information in this report came from the Chicago Police Department.