A Freeport man is being jailed in Cook County Jail in connection with the incident that led to the death of a Chicago police officer on the city’s South Side.
Adrian Rucker, 25, of the 200 block of East Pleasant, has been charged with four felonies: armed violence, invalid Firearm Owner Identification card, possession of a counterfeit identification card, and possession of a controlled substance.
He is scheduled to appear in court on June 25.
Rucker was arrested shortly before 10:15 p.m. on June 5 in the 8200 block of South Maryland. He was identified as the offender who, minutes earlier, threatened cops with a rifle inside a building on the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the Grand Crossing neighborhood.
During the encounter, an officer fired a handgun, killing Officer Krystal Rivera.
According to police, the man fled the area before being apprehended and charged.
According to Chicago police, at 9:50 p.m. on June 5, officers from the 6th (Gresham) District Tactical Team were on patrol when they attempted to execute an investigative stop on a male in the 8200 block of South Drexel.
As authorities arrived, the suspect escaped inside a nearby structure, police said. Officers tracked the suspect into the building, where they were greeted by an armed offender. During the encounter, a cop fired his handgun.
According to police, the suspect, later identified as Rucker, escaped the apartment before being apprehended.
Officer Rivera received a gunshot wound and was transported to a nearby hospital, where she died.
Another cop had a wrist injury and was brought to the hospital, where he was reported to be in fair condition. There were no other injuries recorded.
According to police, three guns were found at the scene.
The Chicago Police Department’s Investigative Response Team is investigating the situation. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was notified about the occurrence.
According to COPA officials, Rivera’s deadly bullet was caused by her partner’s inadvertent firearm discharge.
The Police Department has made the following statement:
“The Chicago Police Department grieves the heartbreaking loss of Officer Rivera, a courageous and compassionate officer who devoted her career to helping others and protecting our city. We will never forget.”
The Police Accountability agency issued the following statement regarding Rivera’s death.
“COPA recognizes the sacrifices made by those who serve, and we join the community in mourning the loss of a dedicated officer and mother and extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are grieving.”