The Chicago Police Department is urgently seeking the public’s assistance to identify a person of interest linked to the tragic slaying of Officer Luis Huesca. The incident occurred early Sunday morning as Huesca was driving home from his shift in the Gage Park neighborhood, a few blocks from his residence.
Incident Details
According to police reports, Officer Huesca was shot multiple times around 2:55 a.m. in the 3100 block of West 56th Street. Despite immediate medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries at the University of Chicago Medical Center. The attack not only claimed his life but also involved the theft of his SUV, which was later found abandoned nearby.
Ongoing Investigation
In an effort to find those responsible, detectives have released surveillance images showing a male subject who is considered armed and dangerous. These images, sourced from private security cameras, depict the individual in different outfits. While there is currently no probable cause for an arrest, authorities are eager to ascertain his identity and are calling on department members and the public for any information.
Officer Huesca’s Background
Officer Huesca, who would have turned 31 just two days after the shooting, was a dedicated member of the Chicago Police Department for six years. He is remembered as a commendable officer and a profoundly decent individual. His death marks another grievous loss for the department, coming only a year after the line-of-duty death of his police academy classmate, Officer Andres Vasquez-Lasso.
Community Response
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed the collective mourning of the force at a press conference, emphasizing Huesca’s virtues as both an officer and a person. Mayor Brandon Johnson also spoke out, decrying the shooting as a heinous act of gun violence and assuring full cooperation between various city departments to secure justice for Officer Huesca’s family.
Call to Action
As the investigation progresses, Chicago police are broadening their appeal to the public for assistance. Anyone with information about the person of interest or any other details related to the case is encouraged to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously at CPDTIP.com.
This effort underscores the community’s vital role in aiding law enforcement to capture those responsible for such tragic acts and to help prevent future occurrences. The department vows to use every available resource to resolve this case and support the officer’s grieving family during this incredibly challenging time.
