CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A Chicago police officer was shot and killed on the Southwest Side early Sunday morning, and city leaders have promised to put "every resource available" toward bringing anyone involved in the shooting to justice.
City leaders identified the fallen Chicago police officer as 30-year-old Luis Huesca.
The shooting happened shortly before 3 a.m. near 56th Street and Kedzie Avenue in the Gage Park neighborhood. Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said Huesca, who was wearing his uniform, was on his way home from a shift.
"While returning home, the officer was shot multiple times," Snelling said. "He was transported to the University of Chicago Hospital, where he was pronounced."
Snelling described Huesca as "a great officer and a great human being."
Huesca's birthday was in two days, the superintendent said. He served the police department for six years and was survived by his mother and uncle.
"His family is dealing with a lot right now," Snelling said. "My condolences go out to the family, and we really need to keep the family, his mother, in our prayers."
Snelling said CPD investigators are in the preliminary stages of their investigation.
Roughly 30 gunshots were fired during the attack, though it was unclear whether Huesca fired in self defense, according to law enforcement sources. His vehicle was taken after the shooting and was later recovered nearby.
"There will be sadness, anger and grief as we ask how the life of our fellow brother could be taken in this reprehensible act of violence," Snelling told fellow police officials. "Our focus right now is on his family and loved ones who are going through the unimaginable trauma of loss. We are also focused on apprehending whoever is responsible for this."
In a statement, Mayor Brandon Johnson said he met with Huesca's family and promised them full support "as they deal with this unspeakable loss."
"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," Johnson said. "No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain."
Johnson said they will provide more updates as they become available.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.
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