Off-Duty Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed in Apparent Carjacking
An unthinkable tragedy strikes Chicago’s law enforcement community
An off-duty Chicago police officer was tragically shot to death in the early hours of Sunday morning in Gage Park on the Southwest Side. Authorities suspect the incident was an apparent carjacking, as the officer’s vehicle was stolen following the incident. The victim was identified as Officer Luis Huesca, a dedicated servant of the community.
Heartbreaking loss sparks mourning and reflection
Responding to a ShotSpotter alert around 2:55 a.m., officers discovered Offficer Huesca with multiple gunshot wounds in the 3100 block of West 56th Street. He was dressed in his police uniform, having just finished his shift. Supt. Larry Snelling affirmed Huesca’s dedication and mourned the loss of a respected officer and individual. The wounded officer was transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where his death was confirmed.
“A terrible loss as we cope with the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca, who was just two days shy of his 31st birthday. Thinking of his family and fellow officers as we mourn the passing of a dedicated officer. May his memory be a blessing and his service never forgotten.” – Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker), April 21, 2024
Searching for answers in a senseless act
While police have not explicitly confirmed that the shooting occurred during a carjacking, Superintendent Snelling acknowledged that Officer Huesca’s vehicle was stolen. The incident involved the firing of roughly 30 gunshots, and it remains unknown whether Huesca returned fire. The stolen Toyota 4Runner was eventually recovered in the vicinity, but Huesca’s gun and badge were not found at the scene.
Remembering a fallen hero
Officer Huesca, hailing from the office of Area 2 Deputy Chief Senora Ben, was fondly remembered as a remarkable individual both on and off the job. He embodied the values of the Chicago Police Department and repeatedly went above and beyond for others. Tragically, Huesca had tragically lost a colleague, Officer Andrés Vásquez Lasso, who was fatally shot while on duty just over a year ago, further highlighting the dangers faced by the city’s law enforcement.
A city in mourning comes together
The news of Huesca’s untimely death has shaken the community and sparked an outpouring of grief. Community members gathered in Gage Park on Sunday evening to honor the fallen officer and support his grieving family. With prayers, songs, and a display of candles, the community gathered to pay their respects, comforting each other in the face of tragedy.
Messages of support from city officials
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed his profound grief over the act of violence and extended his condolences to Officer Huesca’s family, highlighting the city’s support during this painful time. The mayor has vowed to utilize all available resources to bring the assailants to justice. Meanwhile, Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara condemned the attack, emphasizing the need to address the mounting challenges facing law enforcement nationwide.
The loss of Officer Luis Huesca serves as a devastating reminder of the risks our law enforcement officers face daily while serving and protecting our communities. As Chicago mourns the loss of a dedicated officer, law enforcement authorities are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible for this heinous and senseless act of violence.
Source : https://chicago.suntimes.com/
