CHICAGO — A Chicago police officer has died after being shot multiple times in the Gage Park neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side while returning home from duty overnight following his shift.
Chicago Police Department Supt. Larry Snelling confirmed in a briefing Sunday morning outside the University of Chicago Medical Center that the officer was pronounced dead.
The city has identified the officer as Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District/Priority Response Team.
In a statement Sunday morning, Mayor Brandon Johnson said Huesca’s death was “an act of unconscionable gun violence in our community.”
“No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain,” Mayor Johnson’s statement continued.
“I met with Officer Huesca’s mother and uncle this morning and assured them that they have
the full support of my administration as they deal with this unspeakable loss. Our city is
grieving, and our condolences go out to their entire family as well as Luis’ fellow officers
and community.”
Preliminary information from CPD indicates officers received a report of a person down around 3 a.m. Sunday in the 3100 block of West 56th Street. According to police dispatch audio, minutes before, a ShotSpotter alert was also received, indicating shots fired in the 5500 block of South Kedzie Avenue.
According to the Chicago Fire Department, it transported an adult male from the scene to the University of Chicago Medical Center in critical condition.
Selling said in Sunday morning’s briefing that Huesca was two days shy of his 31st birthday and was a six-year CPD veteran. A procession carrying Huesca’s body made its way to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, an emotional moment for all involved.
“He was a just a great officer, great human being, and his family is dealing with a lot right now,” Snelling said.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the crime that led to Huesca’s shooting. They say his car was missing, but they have not confirmed it was a carjacking. Police have also not confirmed whether Huesca’s service weapon was recovered but say they are looking into it.
“These are senseless, senseless crimes that are taking the lives of our community members, today of one of our officers,” Snelling said.
No additional information on any arrests or potential suspects has been released. Snelling said a community safety alert had been put out. Police continue to collect evidence.
“The Area One detective division is working right now on the scene to try to bring some justice to this family,” Snelling said.
“… Today, that officer was a victim of the type of crime that he was working against to keep people safe in this city.”
In his statement, Mayor Johnson said: “My Office of Community Safety, in collaboration with Supt. Larry Snelling and the Chicago Police Department, is committed to putting every resource available toward apprehending anyone involved in this morning’s shooting and bringing them to justice.
“As the investigation continues, we will provide immediate updates as they become available.”
Multiple sources confirmed to WGN News a description of the SUV belonging to Huesca. WGN News crews on scene saw an SUV matching that description being towed from an alleyway near West 57th and South Mozart streets in Gage Park.
Personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, were on the scene investigating.
WGN News’ Courtney Spinelli began covering the story when it broke Sunday morning and provided real-time updates on her X feed, @CourtSpinelliTV:
The Chicago Fire Department and Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division were among the agencies that offered their condolences to Huesca’s family and law enforcement colleagues via social media Sunday.
Ald. Silvana Tabares of Chicago’s 23rd Ward also issued a statement Sunday, in particular noting that Huesca was returning home after finishing his shift.
“It is moments like these, when tragic news envelopes our public discourse, that our city needs a reality check,” read Tabares’ statement, in part. “It is hard for many to fully comprehend the day-to-day dangers that officers face in this city.
“It does not end at shift-change. Whether on the beat or in front of their homes, they don’t check out.”
Tabares went on to say, “It is our responsibility as elected officials in this city to recognize this reality when discussing public safety.”
This story will be updated as the investigation continues and more details are known.
