Latest news with #officerdown
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Yahoo
Milwaukee police officer Kendall Corder dies following shooting: 'We are all in pain.'
Kendall Corder loved being a Milwaukee police officer. That's what the family of the slain 32-year-old officer wanted the public to know of their son who died nearly three days after he and his partner were shot. The two, both six-year veterans of the department, were unexpectedly fired upon in an alleyway on the city's northwest side on June 26 while responding to a call for a person with a weapon. 'He died doing what he loved to do,' said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson at a press conference. 'It's admirable.' Johnson spoke near Froedtert Hospital on June 29, alongside Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and Alex Ayala, president of the department's union for rank-and-file officers. Corder's family asked Norman to share the sentiment that he loved his work and was proud of being a member of the department, the police chief said. They thanked the public for prayers, he said. "We have lost someone who loved his career, who looked forward to being part of the work to impact public safety in our community," Norman said. The three did not take questions. The procession taking Corder's body to the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office downtown began around 6:11 p.m. As the procession began, officers could be seen with tears in their eyes, as a stream of police vehicles left Froedtert Hospital. In downtown Milwaukee, two fire trucks hung an American flag from their extended ladders at the corner of State Street and 9th Street, as officers and paramedics lined the streets. The procession arrived about 20 minutes later with a wail of sirens. About 80 uniformed officers lined both sides of State Street, tracking the path Corder would take into the office. Five officers in dress attire stood by the door holding flags for the city, state and the United States. 'At this moment, we are all in pain,' Norman said, and he asked for prayers for the department's officers. Residents lingered near the medical examiner's office to pay their respects. Terry Hale didn't know Corder personally, but he recognized him from the officer's work as a cop in the district. The two met once at a gas station, and another time at a restaurant. "It's on my heart," Hale said. "It's a shame that we continually have to go through this stuff." Milwaukee police arrested 22-year-old Tremaine Jones on June 27 in the shooting that injured Corder and officer Christopher McCray, who left the hospital on June 28. The Milwaukee Police Department did not identify Jones in a June 27 statement announcing a suspect's arrest, but two sources confirmed the name to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and he was listed in a police booking log. Jones is listed as in jail on about $200,000 bail, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office jail roster. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel typically does not name suspects who have not been charged with a crime unless they are a public figure. The news organization is naming the suspect in this case because of the high-profile nature of the incident. Corder is the sixth Milwaukee officer shot and killed since 2018, and the first to die in duty since Officer Peter Jerving, who was shot and killed in 2023. The police shooting is at least the third time an officer has been shot in Milwaukee this year. Another officer was shot earlier this month. Corder's death comes after a June 26 shooting near an alley in the 2200 block of North 24th Place around 9:22 p.m. A Milwaukee Police Department spokesperson said officers arrested a suspect without issue at about 2:15 a.m. the next morning. The shooting occurred as the two officers were responding to a report of a suspect firing shots near the area of North 25th Street and West Garfield Avenue. As they approached the alleyway, police said "they were unexpectedly fired upon." Corder and McCray were unable to return fire, police said. Megan Hart, a dispatcher with the Department of Emergency Communications, watched as the processions arrived at the medical examiner's office. She said that her second-shift crew was on duty when the shooting happened. "We're all just feeling a huge sense of loss and grief," said Hart. "All we want to do is bring them home safe every day." The Milwaukee Police Association, the union for the department's rank-and-file officers, described the shooting as an "ambush." In a June 29 statement on Corder's death, the union said the two officers were responding to a domestic violence-related call when they were shot. The union said Corder suffered several gunshot wounds to his upper arm, and at least one round struck his chest and caused "severe internal injuries, including to his heart." He went through surgery, the union said. McCray had injuries to his foot and back, the union said. He left the hospital two days after the shooting and was greeted by about 50 fellow officers who applauded as he exited. The shooting won't deter officers, the union president Ayala said during the press conference.'Rest assured, they will put on the badge tonight, tomorrow and in the coming weeks, days and years to come to protect the citizens of the city of Milwaukee,' he said. The procession ended around 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office. Police officers huddled near their police chief, as he stood beside the Corder family. He told his officers to support the family who lost a man who loved what he did and died doing it. "Do not let anyone use anything but the love of each other to support us through these tough times," Norman said. David Clarey is a public safety reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He can be reached at dclarey@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee police officer dies following shooting
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Chicago police officer 'accidentally' kills his partner while chasing suspect down hallway
A Chicago police officer was unintentionally shot and killed by her partner after they chased a suspect into an apartment building and encountered another person with a rifle. Officer Krystal Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran of the department, was gunned down just before 10pm on Thursday as she and fellow tactical officers from the Gresham District chased a suspect, believed to be armed, into a residential building. The foot pursuit took cops through a narrow hallway in a South Side apartment when in the chaos, Rivera's fellow officer fired, striking her in the back, mortally wounding her. Her partner, who has not been identified, was the only person who fired a weapon, and the 'gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera,' city police said in a statement. Rivera died at a hospital late on Thursday night, less than an hour after being shot. She is survived by her 10-year-old daughter, Bella Medina. Colleagues brought Rivera to University of Chicago Medical Center in a squad car that crashed and caught fire because of a malfunction, according to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. She was then transported in another squad car. Snelling called Rivera 'a hero' and 'a vibrant, young officer trying to keep the streets safe.' 'She had already taken two guns off the street earlier that same day,' Snelling said. 'She came to work to protect this city, and she paid the ultimate price.' Snelling confirmed that the officer who discharged the fatal round is not under criminal investigation, but is 'in a very, very tough place.' The trauma, he said, is 'unimaginable.' The officer who fired the shot has not been named, but sources confirmed he is a veteran of the force and is receiving departmental support while the investigation continues. 'We're always reviewing our practices,' Snelling said. 'But it's too early to say if this tragic incident will lead to policy changes.' 'Rivera represented everything we want our police officers to be,' said the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation in a statement. 'Smart, assertive, tough, compassionate and professional.' has approached Chicago Police Department for comment. The city's law enforcement community is still trying to process the loss. 'The entire city of Chicago is grieving and mourning together,' said Mayor Brandon Johnson. 'Officer Rivera served honorably and courageously. Her young, energetic, and bold approach toward keeping us safe is the memory we will honor.' Three firearms were recovered at the scene. Several individuals were detained. One suspect from the scene, Adrian Rucker, 25, remains in custody, though police have not said what charges he could face. The case is under internal investigation, and no criminal charges have been filed related to the shooting itself. Rivera's mother, Yolanda Rivera, told the Chicago Sun-Times that her daughter had long dreamed of being a police officer since she was young. She remembers her daughter calling herself 'Wonder Woman' and setting her sights on the badge as a little girl. She wasn't a straight shot into the academy and actually failed a section of the test at first, but she didn't give up. 'I told her just weeks ago to get a desk job,' Yolanda recalled. 'She kept saying, "Mom, I'm gonna be OK."' Rivera earned a reputation within the Gresham District as a tough but compassionate cop. 'For me, it's a privilege,' Rivera told the Sun-Times when she graduated from the academy in 2021. 'I come from a family of serving. To help people in need, that's my calling.' For Rivera's family, no policy or reform will fill the void she's left behind, particularly her young daughter. Her 11th birthday party was just days away and her mother had been helping plan every detail. That morning, Bella said her mother hugged her a little longer than usual. 'When she said bye, it's like she had a feeling,' Bella said. 'She gave me the biggest hug, biggest kiss and she said, "If anything happens, I'm always right here," in my heart.' It was the last time Bella would ever see her mother alive. 'She never got to wear those boots she was so excited about,' Bella said. 'She found them at Ross. She loved fashion and her job.' On rainy days the pair would movies and colored together. Rivera, a single mother, loved action flicks and Jim Carrey comedies. She dreamed of one day living on a farm in neighboring Wisconsin. 'I want to go home with her,' Bella said. 'I don't want my whole life to change.' The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation has pledged to provide financial and emotional support to Rivera's family. Police say Rivera's death marks the eighth on-duty CPD shooting death since 2018.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago police mourn Krystal Rivera, killed in line of duty by accidental fire
The Brief 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. The incident unfolded as officers pursued an armed suspect into a building, where Rivera was accidentally struck. Authorities are investigating the events leading up to the shooting, while the department mourns the four-year veteran and mother of a 10-year-old girl. CHICAGO - 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. 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.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Chicago police determine slain Officer Krystal Rivera was unintentionally shot by fellow cop
Chicago police Officer Krystal Rivera was mistakenly shot by a fellow cop during a confrontation with an armed suspect that took her life Thursday, police have announced. In a statement late Friday, the department released a statement saying an investigation had reached the conclusion that Rivera was struck by friendly fire. 'As released in yesterday's preliminary statement, an officer discharged his weapon during the encounter with an armed offender,' the statement read. 'Further investigation revealed the only weapon discharged during this incident was the weapon of the officer, whose gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera.' Rivera was widely praised Friday. Earlier in what would be her final shift, Rivera took two guns off the street, authorities said, only to come face-to-face with a rifle later that night. Rivera, 36, a four-year veteran with a young daughter who lived in the Irving Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side, was killed after the Gresham (6th) District tactical team she was part of tried to conduct an investigatory stop on a person believed to have a weapon about 9:50 p.m. Thursday in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue. 'The investigation into the aggravated assault of the police officers by the armed offender who pointed the rifle remains ongoing,' the police statement read. 'This offender remains in custody. Detectives also continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the investigative stop preceding the encounter. At this time, no further information is available while the investigation continues.' The statement concluded with a request for prayers for Rivera's family and her partner. An autopsy had found that Rivera was shot in the back. The first Chicago police officer to be killed in the line of duty this year, Rivera was mourned by city officials and her fellow officers, who praised her work ethic and asked Chicagoans to keep her family in their prayers. 'Our officer was young, vibrant and a hard worker,' police Superintendent Larry Snelling said, speaking from the University of Chicago Medical Center early Friday. 'She was a working police officer trying to keep the streets safe.' Flanked by department brass, Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city and state officials, Snelling gave some details about the shooting, but did not offer a full picture of exactly how the shooting unfolded. In response to a reporter's question about the gunfire, Snelling said investigators were waiting on a warrant to search the apartment where the shooting happened. 'Here's the deal: We won't know that until the search warrant is served and we are able to go through that apartment and collect more evidence. The evidence that we collect usually … gives a story of what occurred in there,' Snelling said. 'So until we have all of that information we can't rely on just one source at this time.' Snelling in a news conference that took place hours after the event said the officers first tried to stop someone thought to be armed when the individual ran into an apartment, and the officers followed, he said. There, Snelling said, the team encountered a second person armed with a rifle. One of the officers fired a gun 'at some point' during the confrontation, he said, and another officer was shot, later succumbing to her injuries at University of Chicago Medical Center. 'When the officers followed into that location they were then confronted by a second person who was in that apartment who was armed with a rifle pointed at the officers,' Snelling said. 'At some point the officer discharged the weapon. Our officer was struck. She was then transported by assisting units to the hospital here where she later succumbed to her wounds.' The two people in the apartment ran away and were arrested shortly afterward, Snelling said, though he said officials had 'several' people in custody in connection with the shooting. The department did not specify exactly how many people were in custody as of Friday afternoon. A third officer hurt his wrist and was listed in fair condition, according to a police statement. Investigators recovered three weapons at the scene and were still reviewing body-worn camera footage, Snelling said, and the Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating the shooting. After the shooting, police officers took their wounded colleague to the hospital in a squad car, which crashed and caught fire on the way there because of what Snelling described as a malfunction with the vehicle. Another squad car finished the trip, he said, and the officers in the first car were 'doing fine.' 'The way that she worked, it was evident that she did love her job,' Snelling said. 'She wanted to make Chicago a better place.' Rivera's mother, reached by phone, declined to comment. In a statement posted to social media, the mayor asked Chicagoans to keep Rivera's family in their prayers, especially her young daughter who will 'who will miss her mom for the rest of her life.' Rivera had an 'unmatched work ethic,' Johnson said. 'Officer Rivera was a hero who served on the force for four years. She had a long career in front of her. A bright future was stolen from her family and from her loved ones,' he said in the statement. Family friend Alicia Headrick described Rivera as someone who was 'unapologetically herself and wanted everyone else to be able to tap into that as well.' Headrick, 28 and a Grundy County sheriff's deputy, said she mostly stayed in touch with Rivera via social media. While they occasionally talked about working for two very different law enforcement agencies, Headrick mainly remembered Rivera cheering her on and likened her to an older sister. Rivera had been a single mother for some time and was ferociously independent, she said. '(Rivera) just always wanted to make a life and career for herself and for her daughter,' Headrick said. 'She had a very pure heart that just wanted to serve other people.' The last Chicago officer to suffer fatal injuries on the job was Enrique Martinez, 26. Martinez, who was also assigned to the same Gresham District as Rivera, was fatally shot in November in the 8200 block of South Ingleside Avenue— just one street east of where Rivera was killed Thursday. Outside the hospital early Friday, squad cars lined Cottage Grove Avenue for blocks in every direction. A peer support officer walked people, some of them in tears, in and out of the ambulance bay as others in uniform exchanged hugs in the street. In Chatham, the crime scene spanned multiple blocks as law enforcement agencies fanned out in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Cook County sheriff's deputies walked up and down Maryland Avenue near East 83rd Street with rifles and canine units while tactical teams searched nearby alleys with flashlights. As squad cars lined the streets for several blocks in every direction, a police helicopter circled the area, beaming a searchlight. Residents walked their dogs and filmed the scene on their phones, protesting when officers asked them to back up to Cottage Grove so they could expand the crime scene. Officers appeared to zero in on an alley on the west side of Ingleside. A resident leaned out the window of a courtyard building across the street and asked if they needed to get in. Detectives begin combing the front yard with flashlights. Just before noon Friday, a two-man crew arrived at the Gresham District station to affix purple and black bunting on the building's facade, in keeping with CPD tradition after an officer is killed on the job.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
1 officer killed, 1 wounded and another person dead in Los Angeles County shooting
BALDWIN PARK, Calif. (AP) — One police officer was killed and another was injured after a shooting Saturday evening in a city west of Los Angeles, authorities said. Another person was found dead. An adult male suspect was wounded but has been taken into custody, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. He said the department is leading an investigation into a double homicide in Baldwin Park. Luna and Baldwin Park Police Chief Robert López held a news conference shortly after the shooting. 'It's extremely tragic to have to deal with this,' López said. The injured officer is in good condition and with his family, he added. Police in Baldwin Park responded to a call at around 7 p.m. of someone shooting rounds with a rifle. When the officers arrived, they were 'met by gunfire,' Luna said. At least one officer fired shots after police came under fire. It is unclear how many shots were fired, but the sheriff said that he believed the weapon used in the shooting has been recovered. The names of the victims have not been released as of Sunday morning. López said the officer who was killed was an 'amazing man' who liked snowboarding and traveled to see Dodger games across the United States.
