By TopTrendReportTv
April 22, 2024
CHICAGO (WLS) -- An off-duty Chicago Police Officer, Luis Huesca, was fatally shot early Sunday morning in the city's Southwest Side, according to CPD.
CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling reported that the incident took place in the 8th Police District while the officer was heading home after his shift.
Officers responded to a gunshot alert in the 5500 block of South Kedzie Avenue, in the Gage Park neighborhood, just before 3 a.m. Officers then moved to the 3100 block of West 56th Street, where they found Huesca, who had been shot multiple times.
The officer's vehicle was missing from the scene, police said. Huesca was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center but was pronounced dead shortly after.
"He was an exceptional officer and an outstanding person," Snelling stated. "His family is facing a tremendous loss right now."
Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement, identifying Huesca as a member of the 5th District's Priority Response Team.
A candlelight vigil was held Sunday evening outside Officer Huesca's home, where many gathered to pay their respects.
Local residents expressed sadness and shock upon learning about the shooting.
"It's heartbreaking how our community is going through this... such a young officer dying," said resident Kimberly Belacco. "Things need to change."
A YouTube video by the CPD last year showed Officer Huesca honoring Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso, who was killed in the line of duty.
"This isn't about us versus them. I detest injustices and lawlessness, which is why I became a police officer," Huesca said in the video.
Superintendent Snelling said Huesca had served with the department for six years and was just two days away from his 31st birthday.
Police mentioned that a ShotSpotter alert led them to the shooting scene. Snelling also confirmed Huesca was wearing his CPD uniform when he was killed, although it might have been covered.
"The officer's vehicle was taken, and we still need more information to establish a complete motive for what happened," Snelling added.
The vehicle was found hours later in an alleyway near 56th Street and Mozart, less than half a mile away from the scene. Officers searched the area and collected evidence, interviewing residents.
"The car found in the alley is believed to belong to the officer," said 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez. "If it was a carjacking, there may be evidence inside. An attempted carjacking, maybe, but investigators are currently gathering all available evidence."
Officer Huesca's death occurred nearly a year after another 5th District officer, Aréanah Preston, was killed.
Dionne Mhoon, Preston's mother, shared her sympathy and support with Huesca's family.
"I know the pain of losing a child is indescribable. No parent should go through that," Mhoon said.
Mhoon recalled her own loss upon hearing the news of Huesca's death.
"It felt like reliving May 6th again," she said.
Mhoon expressed her willingness to support Huesca's family in the same way she was supported.
"I immediately thought of his mother," Mhoon said. "You raise your children with so many dreams for them, and it's so unfair to face such a loss."
Reflecting on losing someone who dedicated their life to serving others, Mhoon stated, "My daughter was the 600th police officer, and my prayer was that there wouldn't be a 601st. Today, God has taken another angel."
body was taken from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office on Sunday morning.
"This tragic loss of Officer Luis Huesca deeply impacts our community," said 14th Ward Alderman Jeylú Gutiérrez. "His passing is a reminder of the violence affecting our neighborhoods. My thoughts are with the officer's family, friends, and colleagues who served our community with dedication."
CPD continues to investigate and search for suspects. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear.
Mayor Johnson's full statement:
"We are grieving the loss of Officer Luis M. Huesca following an egregious act of gun violence in our city. No family or community should face such tragedy.
I met with Officer Huesca's mother and uncle today and pledged our administration's full support during this devastating time. Our condolences extend to the officer's family, fellow officers, and the community.
Our Office of Community Safety, in coordination with Superintendent Larry Snelling and CPD, is dedicated to utilizing all resources to identify and apprehend those involved in today's shooting and bring them to justice. We will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses."
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