A “young, vibrant and hardworking” Chicago police officer was fatally shot while pursuing a fleeing suspect in the Chatham neighborhood late Thursday night.
The officer, a 36-year-old woman and mother of a young daughter, was killed during a foot pursuit, according to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling.
She was identified Friday morning as Krystal Rivera, according to Cook County Medical Examiner’s records.
“She wanted to make Chicago a better place, she wanted to make it safer and we thank her for that.” As of Friday morning, CPD officials have not yet confirmed who shot Rivera.
During that encounter, police said, Rivera was shot in the chest.
Late Thursday night in the Chatham neighborhood, a “young, vibrant, and hardworking” Chicago police officer was shot and killed while chasing down a fugitive.
According to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the officer, a 36-year-old mother of a young daughter, was killed during a foot pursuit. Records from the Cook County Medical Examiner show that she was identified as Krystal Rivera on Friday morning.
“She was a hero, protecting lives, and she tragically lost her life while performing her job that she loved,” Snelling said. “We appreciate her efforts to improve and make Chicago a safer place. “”.
The person who shot Rivera has not yet been identified by CPD authorities as of Friday morning.
When the 6th District tactical team was on patrol Thursday, Rivera, a four-year department veteran, was part of the team that tried to perform an investigatory stop on a man they thought was armed in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue.
According to Snelling, that individual ran away into a nearby apartment, where a second individual brandishing a rifle confronted officers upon their arrival and pointed the weapon at them. Snelling claimed that an officer eventually pulled the trigger.
According to police, Rivera was shot in the chest during that encounter. After being taken to a nearby hospital, she passed away from her wounds.
“Our officers take this risk every single day,” Snelling stated.
After escaping on foot, the first suspect and the individual who allegedly pointed the rifle at the police were apprehended, according to Snelling. Another officer was admitted to the hospital in fair condition after suffering a wrist injury.
Three firearms, according to the police, were found at the scene. Snelling stated that an inquiry is being conducted to ascertain the specifics of what transpired within the apartment.
The incident is also being looked into by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability.
“Tonight, the entire city of Chicago is mourning together over the tragic loss of one of Chicago’s finest,” Mayor Brandon Johnson stated. We will remember her for her youthful, vivacious, and fearless approach to protecting us. “”.
