Chicago police mourn Krystal Rivera, killed in line of duty by accidental fire
Questions remain over friendly fire death of Chicago police officer
Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera was fatally shot by friendly fire during a foot chase Thursday night, with officials confirming only her partner’s weapon was discharged.
Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera was accidentally shot and killed by her partner during a confrontation with an armed suspect Thursday night on the South Side, officials said.
"The first question is, was it an intentional fire shot or accidental discharge?" said former CPD Supt. Garry McCarthy.
The backstory:
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said Rivera was shot in the back. It happened Thursday around 10 p.m. at 82nd Street and Drexel Avenue. Police said Rivera and her partner stopped a man who eventually ran into a building. When officers chased him, police said they were confronted by a man with a gun.
"Rivera was in the process of investigating someone in possession of a gun. At some point, a weapon was pointed in the direction of those officers", said CPD Supt. Larry Snelling.
"How the officer got in between her partner and the person he was firing at we don't know, but that's certainly one of the risks of entering a room like that," Snelling said.
Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera | Provided
Authorities are investigating the initial stop prior to the deadly shooting. Rivera worked for the department for four years. She was described as hard-working and a mentor to younger officers. She also leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter.
Chicago police are asking the city to pray for Rivera's family as well as her partner.
"That officer is in a very tough place, it's unimaginable what they're going through right now", Snelling said.
The Source: The information in this report came from the Chicago Police Department, an interview with former Chicago Police Chief Garry McCarthy and previous FOX 32 reporting.