A police officer has been shot and killed by her partner after they chased a suspect into an apartment in Chicago.
Krystal Rivera, 36, and the colleague pursued him as he fled on foot.
But inside the building, they encountered another individual brandishing a rifle, officials said.
Her partner had been the only person who fired a weapon, and the “gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera,” police said in a statement.
Mrs Rivera was a four-year veteran of the department and is survived by a 10-year-old daughter.
An autopsy showed a wound in the back.
Mrs Rivera died at a hospital late on Thursday, less than an hour after being hit and brought to hospital in a squad car that crashed and caught on fire due to a malfunction, according to Police Superintendent Larry Snelling. She was then transported in another vehicle.
The male suspect who allegedly had the rifle was taken into custody and is facing charges.
The shooting occurred just before 10pm as Mrs Rivera’s tactical unit conducted a stop on someone suspected of having a weapon. A chase ensued that ended in the apartment. Investigators later found three weapons at the scene and detained multiple people, police said.
Supt Snelling called Rivera “young, vibrant and a hard worker”.
Her mother told The Chicago Sun-Times that she had dreamed of being a police officer since she was young.
“For me, it’s a privilege,” Mrs 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.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson said the entire city is mourning her loss, adding: “This young woman served honourably and courageously.
“I am calling on the entire city of Chicago to keep this officer’s family in your prayers along with our entire police department.
“Her young, energetic bold approach toward keeping us safe is the memory that we will honour.”
