A Chicago police officer was shot by a colleague while on patrol earlier this month. She died from her injuries.
The Chicago Police Department released a preliminary statement about the incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 5, at around 9:50 PM. Officers in the District Tactical Team attempted to conduct an ‘investigatory stop on a male suspect in the 8200 block of S. Drexel Avenue.’
However, they reportedly fled into a nearby building as officers gave chase. They encountered an armed offender inside the building. The statement explains that an officer fired their weapon. The armed offender reportedly ran but was caught by authorities and taken into custody.
An officer was shot during the altercation and succumbed to her injuries. Another officer hurt their wrist and visited the hospital in a ‘fair condition.’ Investigators reportedly found three firearms at the scene.
A report by ABC7 provides more information about the incident. In an interview, Superintendent Larry Snelling explained, “They were then confronted by a second person who was in that apartment, was armed with a rifle, pointed at the officers. At some point, the officer discharged a weapon. Our officer was struck.” Emergency services transported Rivera to the University of Chicago hospital.
The Police Department Admits Only A Single Shot Was Fired
ABC7 explains that the Chicago Police Department later shared more details. They reportedly said, “Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera.”
Authorities say Rivera was shot in the back and declared her death as a homicide. Officials also told the outlet that the car carrying the injured officer crashed on the way to the hospital. Police had to wait for another vehicle to take her the rest of the way. The Department says that Rivera had been on the job for four years and had a 10-year-old daughter.
Per People, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Snelling reportedly told reporters, “Until we’ve had the opportunity to really sit down and work these things out, gathering all the information, it will be at that time that we determine what needs to be done to move forward.