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."
