CHICAGO — A Chicago police officer was accidentally shot and killed by her own partner during a tense tactical operation Thursday night, officials confirmed in a developing statement Friday.
The officer, Krystal Rivera, 36, had been with the department for four years and leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter. According to police, the shooting occurred just before 10 p.m. while Rivera and her partner were pursuing a suspect believed to be carrying a weapon.
Incident Unfolded During Armed Encounter
Rivera’s tactical unit was conducting a stop on a suspect when the person fled into an apartment. Inside, they encountered another individual with a rifle. During the confrontation, Rivera’s partner discharged their weapon, unintentionally striking her in the back, authorities said.
“The partner was the only person who fired a weapon,” CPD said in a statement Friday.
Rivera was rushed to the hospital in a squad car, but that vehicle crashed and caught fire due to a malfunction, according to Superintendent Larry Snelling. Another unit transported her the rest of the way, but she was pronounced dead less than an hour later.
Investigation Ongoing, One Person In Custody
The person who allegedly brandished the rifle was taken into custody, but police have not yet disclosed what charges that individual may face. Investigators recovered three weapons at the scene.
An autopsy confirmed that Rivera died from a gunshot wound to the back.
A Dreamer, A Protector, A Mother
Rivera’s mother told the Chicago Sun-Times that her daughter had always dreamed of being a police officer. Rivera joined the force in 2021 and had previously spoken about her motivation to serve:
“I come from a family of serving. To help people in need — that’s my calling,” she said at the time of her graduation.
Superintendent Snelling remembered Rivera as a “young, vibrant, and hard-working officer,” deeply committed to her community.
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