CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Calling it "a multi-state manhunt" and true coordinated effort, Chicago Police and elected officials discussed for the first time the arrest of the man charged with killing police Officer Luis Huesca.
With the assistance from U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force, Chicago Police found and arrested the Xavier Tate Jr., 22, in Glendale Heights Wednesday night.
Tate is accused of fatally shooting and carjacking Huesca, a six-year veteran of the Chicago Police department, on April 21 in Gage Park. The officer was driving home from a CPD shift.
CPD Chief of Detectives Antoinette Ursitti said video footage from nearly 100 surveillance cameras aided detectives in their initial investigation.
Ursitti revealed that detectives found video surveillance footage of Tate near the shooting scene in Gage Park. With that evidence, detectives were able to trace Tate's activity back to a business where he bought a bottle of water using a relative's bank card. Ursitti said the relative revealed Tate's identity to detectives and admitted he allowed Tate to use his card.
That purchased water bottle along with the clothing Tate was seen wearing on video was discovered near where Officer Huesca's stolen car was found.
Ursitti added that Tate's DNA was found on the shooting scene's ballistic evidence. His fingerprints were also found on a fence that video footage showed him jumping over after the shooting.
Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses reporters during Friday's press conference announcing charges in the murder of CPD Officer Luis Huesca.Chicago Police Department
Ursitti confirmed their investigation led them to a house on108th and Hale five days after the murder. There, officers encountered a man throwing a gun. It turned out to be Officer Huesca's service weapon. That man was later identified as Caschaus Tate, a relative of Xavier's. He's been charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.
Ursitti said investigators used technology to track Tate to Wisconsin and Iowa and ultimately to an apartment in Glendale Heights where he was arrested.
Tate, who Ursitti said has a criminal history in Cook County and elsewhere, has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen firearm. Ursitti said at this point they don't believe Tate was targeting Huesca.
"I cannot stress enough the great and meticulous work done by our detectives and CPD members during this investigation," Ursitti said. "Like us, every partner in this investigation wanted to bring closure to this case for Officer Huesca's family.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling addressed reporters as well. He said arresting Tate not only brings justice to Hueca's family, but gives peace to the public at large.
"We have individuals who are out there to cause harm, and what you see standing here is a coordinated effort by everyone to put an end to that," Snelling said.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who did not attend Huesca's funeral on Monday after the fallen officer's mother asked him not to, was present at the press conference.
"As much as this has been a tragic loss, we are very much committed to ensuring all of our residents of this fine city are loved and protected and feel safe and secure," said Johnson.
Tate's initial court hearing occurred late Friday morning. He was held without bail. His next court appearance will be May 22.
"As we bring these charges, we remember his (Huesca's) service, and we honor his memory," " Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx said Friday. "We are committed to a thorough, on-going review, ensuring that our pursuit of justice is meticulous and unwavering."
WBBM's Mike Krauser contributed to this report.
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