GhLinks Media
A Chicago police officer was fatally shot early Sunday morning on the city’s Southwest Side, according to Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Larry Snelling.
The officer, who was off-duty and in uniform, was targeted while traveling home from his shift in the 8th Police District.
Shortly before 3:00 AM, gunshots were detected in the Gage Park neighborhood near South Kedzie Avenue.
Responding officers searched the area and located the wounded officer on West 56th Street.
He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The officer’s vehicle was stolen from the scene.
The 30-year-old officer, identified as Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District’s Priority Response Team, was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center but was pronounced dead.
Officer Huesca, who had served for six years with the CPD, would have turned 31 in two days.
A procession transported Huesca from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office later Sunday morning.
CPD said investigators are still looking for a suspect and that a motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Statement
We are deeply mourning the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District/Priority Response Team following an act of unconscionable gun violence in our city. No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain.
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.
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.
