CHATHAM — A 36-year-old Chicago police officer, Krystal Rivera, was fatally shot by another officer Thursday night during a foot chase with an armed suspect on the city’s South Side, officials confirmed.
The incident unfolded just before 10 p.m. Thursday when officers from the 6th District Tactical Team attempted to stop a male suspect near the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. Police said the suspect fled into a residence, prompting a pursuit inside.
Officer Rivera Was Shot During Armed Encounter
Once inside the building, officers confronted the suspect, who was allegedly armed with a rifle. During that tense encounter, Officer Rivera was struck by gunfire — mistakenly fired by a fellow officer, according to the Chicago Police Department.
- Rivera was shot in the back and rushed to a nearby hospital where she later died of her injuries.
- The suspect fled the residence after the shooting but was later apprehended.
- Authorities recovered three firearms at the scene.
Her death has been ruled a homicide, and an investigation by the department’s Investigative Response Team is ongoing. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has also been notified.
CPD, City Officials Mourn ‘Tough, Compassionate Officer’
“We ask that the city continue to pray for fallen Officer Krystal Rivera’s family during this heartbreaking time,” CPD said in a statement. “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.”
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling praised Rivera, saying:
“She did great work, and if you talk to anyone on her team, they will tell you how great of a worker she was. This is the risk that our officers take every single day.”
Rivera is survived by a young daughter. One other officer suffered a wrist injury during the pursuit and was hospitalized in fair condition.
Chicago Police Memorial Foundation Honors Rivera
The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss:
“Four years into a promising career, Officer Rivera had already earned the respect of her colleagues and superiors. She was a mentor to younger officers and represented everything we want our police officers to be: smart, assertive, tough, compassionate and professional.”
“We pray for her daughter, especially, and promise to support her in every way we can in the days, weeks and years to come.”
The Foundation and the Chicago Police Gold Star Families have pledged emotional and financial support to Rivera’s family, calling her death a “senseless loss” for the department and the city.
What Remains Unknown
As of Friday morning:
- The identity of the suspect has not been publicly released.
- It remains unclear how many officers fired during the confrontation.
- Investigators have not confirmed whether the officer who shot Rivera followed protocol or mistook the threat.
Do you live near Chatham or know Officer Rivera? We want to hear how this tragedy has affected your neighborhood. Share your reflections in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
