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CHICAGO (WLS) — A prayer vigil was held Wednesday night for fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera at the 6th District police station where she worked at 78th and Halsted.
Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty last week when a fellow officer shot her unintentionally.
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Officer Krystal Rivera had two families: the one she was born into and the one she dedicated her life to serving. On Wednesday night, those two families came together in their grief to rejoice and remember the beloved mother and police officer.
It’s been nearly a week since Officer Krystal River was killed, but based off the emotion at the vigil, the pain and loss felt by those who knew here is still fresh.
The four-year CPD veteran was assigned to the 6th District, now adorned with purple bunting as a sign of mourning.
Speakers remembered the mother and dedicated police officer for her quiet strength and empathy.
“I would just like for the family to just take a look and see what they have out here,” CPD Commander Michael Tate said. “This isn’t a result of just us. This is a result of what your daughter, your mom, and your sister meant to the city of Chicago, to this district.”
Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty last Thursday when an fellow officer unintentionally shot her during a tactical operation.
The prayer vigil focused on the life she led and community she served, which was vast, based on the strong show of support.
“I can’t explain how I felt that night and how I’m still feeling,” Commander Tate said.
Tate added this has been a difficult year for the 6th District. He said Officer Rivera is the third officer they’ve lost over the past few months.
A suspect is facing charges in connection with the shooting death of Officer Rivera.
CPD said 25-year-old Adrian Rucker pointed a rifle at police on Thursday night, when Officer Rivera was killed.
The suspect appeared in court Sunday, where he was denied pretrial release.
Multiple charges against the Freeport, Illinois man came down early Sunday, including armed violence and having an invalid FOID card.
CPD said the shooting happened around 10 p.m. Thursday.
Rivera was part of a team of officers that tried to stop someone who was believed to be armed near 82nd and Drexel.
Investigators say that person ran into an apartment, and officers chased him. Police say Rucker then confronted the officers with a rifle inside the building before leaving the scene.
Prosecutors in court Sunday said as the officers pursued Rucker, Officer Rivera was accidentally shot when a fellow officer’s weapons discharged.
Rivera’s mother was in court Sunday for the appearance and did not comment publicly.
Prosecutors told the judge Rucker is a convicted felon who had several warrants for his arrest.
CPD Supt. Larry Snelling led a moment of silence for Rivera at a South Side event on Saturday.
He urged the public not to rush to judgment, as the investigation is ongoing.
Snelling says any information gained from a review of what occurred will help inform future training of officers.
Police said Rucker had six outstanding warrants at the time of his arrest.
Rucker is due back in court June 12.
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