Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera remembered by community after fatal Chatham shooting on South Drexel Avenue during operation

CHICAGO (WLS) — There will be a prayer vigil Wednesday night for fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera.

It will be held at 5 p.m. 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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A suspect is facing charges in connection with the shooting death.

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.

Authorities report that the individual fled into an apartment, prompting officers to pursue him. According to the police, Rucker then faced off with the officers, wielding a rifle in the building, before making his escape.

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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