Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera remembered by community after fatal Chatham shooting on South Drexel Avenue during operation
Share this @internewscast.com

The community in Chicago is mourning a 36-year-old mother and police officer who, according to the Chicago Police Department, was shot and fatally wounded by a fellow officer during a tactical operation this week.

The Chicago Police Department has confirmed that the firearm discharge, which resulted in Officer Krystal Rivera’s death on Thursday night in Chatham, was accidental. This occurred as officers attempted to apprehend an individual suspected of being armed.

ABC7 spoke to a pastor at the church Rivera attended.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Pastor Daniel Cruz recalls the last time Officer Krystal Rivera attended a service at his Faithworld Church. She appears in a brief church video captured during a worship service.

“She was sharing how she wants her daughter to also just really get to know the faith,” Cruz said.

The Northwest Side church had been her church home for nearly 20 years.

“We were completely shocked. I don’t think I’ve wept as much in recent months as I did after I heard the news… that she had passed away,” Cruz said.

Officer Rivera died Thursday night after police officials said she was unintentionally shot and killed by another officer as they encountered an armed person during a foot pursuit in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the city’s Chatham neighborhood.

Saturday afternoon, while at an unrelated event, Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling held a moment of silence for the slain officer while asking for prayers for the other officer involved.

“That officer is in a very, very tough place, unimaginable what that officer has to be feeling right now,” Snelling said.

Several people, including the person who allegedly aimed a rifle at officers, remain in police custody.

Rivera, a four-year veteran of the force, was assigned to a 6th District tactical team. She was also single parent to a young daughter whose birthday party is this weekend.

Those who knew Officer Rivera said she had sweet spirit and a servant’s heart.

“When we were talking to Krystal two weeks ago, she was telling us that one of her greatest joys was doing what she’s doing right now, that was her greatest joy,” Cruz said.

According to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, seven other Chicago police officers have been killed in the line of duty since 2018.

While many in the city mourn the loss of another Chicago police officer, Pastor Cruz wants Officer Rivera to not only be remembered as one of Chicago’s finest, but also as a loving mother, daughter and sister who dedicated her life to others.

“I try not to focus on how she died, but how she lived, and she just was a precious soul,” Cruz said.

Several officers killed in last two years

Rivera is the fifth Chicago police officer shot and killed since 2023.

Officer Enrique Martinez, 26, was shot and killed during a traffic stop last November in East Chatham.

The suspect in the case is charged with first-degree murder.

Officer Luis Huesca was shot and killed in Gage Park, in April 2024.

The 30-year old was driving home after his shift, when he was ambushed.

The suspect was arrested after a 10-day manhunt and faces numerous charges.

Officer Aréanah Preston, 24, was killed in May 2023. She was shot in an attempted robbery in Avalon Park, as she returned home after her shift.

Four men are charged with her murder.

Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso was shot to death in March of 2023. The 32-year old was responding to a domestic violence incident in Gage Park.

A suspect was arrested and charged.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Identities Released of Three Campers Who Died as Texas Flood Death Toll Increases

Three young girls were found dead after a devastating flood swept through…
Parents desperately seeking answers on missing campers after Texas flood

Parents Frantically Seek Information on Campers Missing After Texas Flood

Parents are searching for information about their children’s whereabouts as dozens remain…
It's a Feel-Good Friday Independence Day As Americans of All Backgrounds Celebrate Our Freedoms

Celebrate Freedom This Feel-Good Friday: Independence Day for All Americans

Happy Independence Day! It’s quite a wonderful coincidence that my Feel-Good Friday…
Florida expired tags: Potential consequences and tips to avoid registration spam

Expired Florida Tags: Consequences and Tips to Steer Clear of Registration Spam

Nearly 700,000 Florida drivers have expired tags, according to recent data from…
Chicago-area priest Father Curtis Lambert accused of sexual abuse of a minor at Sacred Heart Parish in Melrose Park: Archdiocese

Chicago Priest Father Curtis Lambert Accused of Sexual Abuse of a Minor at Melrose Park’s Sacred Heart Parish: Archdiocese Reveals

MELROSE PARK, Ill. (WLS) — A priest with service history at several…
Birmingham Police searching for 2 suspects involved in armed robbery

Police in Birmingham seek two suspects connected to armed robbery.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Police Department is seeking assistance from…
Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, the first in China

Legoland launches its inaugural resort in Shanghai, China

It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built…
Boss under fire after texts to pregnant employee revealed

Manager Faces Backlash After Texts to Pregnant Employee Exposed

An awkward text exchange between a pregnant employee and her boss over…
Passengers evacuating a Ryanair plane on the tarmac.

Ryanair Plane in Majorca Experiences Fire Alert; 18 Injured as Passengers Evacuate and Jump from Wing

EIGHTEEN people were injured after a fire alert onboard a Ryanair plane…
Mexico President Sheinbaum hopes deported boxer Chávez Jr. will serve time in Mexico

Mexican President Sheinbaum Wishes for Deported Boxer Chávez Jr. to Face Justice in Mexico

Mexico City — President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico stated on Friday that…

Multiple Cities Experience Shootings and Fireworks Accident on July Fourth Holiday

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (AP) — This year’s Fourth of July holiday saw numerous…
Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump Lashes Out: Putin Wants to Continue Killing in Ukraine, Claims He’s ‘Very Unhappy’ After Hour-Long Call with Vladimir

Donald Trump sounded a grim alarm over Putin’s intentions to “continue the…