Chicago police search for suspect in killing of Officer Luis Huesca, $100,000 reward announced – NBC Chicago

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who fatally shot Chicago police officer Luis Huesca has jumped to $100,000, authorities announced Saturday.

The day before, Chicago police released new photos of the suspected shooter, identified as Xavier Tate Jr. Although an arrest warrant had been issued for Tate, he had not yet been taken into custody.

The Chicago Police Department said Saturday evening that Cook County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms had teamed up to offer a combined $25,000. An additional $75,000 was contributed by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the FBI and the Fraternal Order of Police, police said.

According to court records, the 22-year-old used a .40-caliber handgun to fatally shoot Huesca, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning near his Gage Park home. Police discovered the co-worker, who had been shot in the face, after responding to a ShotSpotter alert at 2:53 a.m. near West 56th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, according to a police report.

Huesca was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center and was later pronounced dead from his injuries. A six-year veteran of the force, Huesca had just finished his shift and was heading home in uniform when the shooting occurred. His Toyota SUV was stolen after the shooting, but was later recovered.

Court records show Tate, the suspect, was scheduled to appear in court earlier this week for an unrelated matter, but failed to appear. On Monday, a day after the deadly shooting, authorities released still images and video of a person of interest.

On Friday evening, police identified Tate as the individual in previously released surveillance footage. Police urged anyone who saw him to immediately call 911 because he should be considered armed and dangerous.

Chicago police have released a new video in an effort to identify the person responsible for the shooting death of CPD Officer Luis Huesca. (Credit: Chicago Police)

Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8380. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.