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
Trump says he's considering revoking Rosie O'Donnell's citizenship, reigniting decadeslong feud

Trump contemplates stripping Rosie O’Donnell of citizenship, rekindling long-standing feud

President Donald Trump rekindled a long-standing feud with comedian Rosie O’Donnell on…
Trump Drops the Hammer in New Statement on People Who Are Physically Attacking ICE Agents

Trump Issues Strong Response to Attacks on ICE Agents

The violence against ICE agents and other federal immigration law enforcement has…
17-year-old British teen dies after beach sand tunnel collapses during family vacation: report

Tragic Accident: 17-Year-Old British Teen Dies in Beach Sand Tunnel Collapse During Family Vacation

A day at the beach turned tragic when a 17-year-old boy was…
Fire-spewing instruments on display in Brooklyn

Fire-Breathing Art Installations Light Up Brooklyn Gallery

Shooting off pyrotechnics at a concert may be nothing new, but a…
Leeds man facing child sexual abuse material charges

Leeds Resident Charged with Offenses Related to Child Sexual Abuse Material

LEEDS, Ala. (WIAT) — A Leeds man is facing child sexual abuse…
Tucker Carlson Epstein Israel: A Call for Accountability

Tucker Carlson on Epstein and Israel: Demanding Transparency and Responsibility

Tucker Carlson delivered a blistering critique at TPUSA, accusing Jeffrey Epstein of…
Hamas working to 'sabotage' Trump-backed aid group with 'fake news': Israeli official

As US-supported group provides 70 million meals, UN and NGOs work to undermine competing Gaza aid organization

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel, has…
Here’s how much money New Yorkers need to retire comfortably: new study

New Study Reveals the Retirement Savings New Yorkers Need for Comfort

Research indicates that retirees in New York require an average of $50,997…
‘Peacemaker’ Trump can end Africa’s biggest war, former White House advisor says

Former White House Advisor Claims Trump Can Resolve Africa’s Largest Conflict

Following the recent success in resolving a conflict within Africa, President Donald…
Mariners' Cal Raleigh hits 37th, 38th homers to move within one of Barry Bonds' pace

Cal Raleigh of the Mariners Slugs 37th and 38th Home Runs, Approaching Barry Bonds’ Record Pace

DETROIT — Cal Raleigh launched his 37th and 38th home runs, closing…
Trump announces new tariffs on Mexico, EU to begin Aug. 1

Trump Reveals Upcoming Tariffs on Mexico and the EU Starting August 1

Trump announced the tariffs on two of the United States’ biggest trade…
Keir Starmer and Wes Streeting on the campaign trail.

Doctors Encouraged to Recommend Gym Over Sick Notes to Help Reduce Benefits Expenses in the UK

DOCTORS have been urged to stop handing out sick notes and instead…