Chicago police have identified a suspect in the shooting death of Officer Luis Huesca, who was tragically killed last week. The suspect, Xavier L. Tate Jr., a 22-year-old resident of Aurora, is currently at large as the manhunt enters its seventh day. An arrest warrant has been issued for Tate, who faces a first-degree murder charge for the shooting that took place in the Gage Park neighborhood.
The incident occurred on April 21, just before 3 a.m., in the 3100 block of West 56th Street. Officer Huesca, who was still in uniform, was shot multiple times near his family's home. Sources indicate that Huesca sustained nearly 20 gunshot wounds from what is believed to be an automatic weapon with a 'switch' attachment.
During the shooting, Huesca's vehicle was stolen but later recovered nearby. His service weapon and badge were reportedly missing from the scene. Surveillance footage released by the police shows the suspect entering convenience stores and walking on a sidewalk.
Tate, the suspect, had a prior arrest for criminal trespass to a residence on March 6 in Olympia Fields. He was scheduled to appear in court for that case on Wednesday. In response to the ongoing manhunt, a $100,000 reward has been announced for information leading to Tate's arrest and conviction. The reward is being offered by Crime Stoppers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the FBI, and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Officer Huesca, who served the Chicago Police Department for six years, would have turned 31 years old on Tuesday. The community and law enforcement agencies are working together to bring justice for Officer Huesca and his family during this difficult time.
