Chicago police have announced the arrest of 22-year-old Xavier Tate Jr. in connection with the murder of off-duty police officer Luis Huesca. Tate was apprehended by officers and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Glendale Heights, Illinois, on Wednesday night.
The tragic incident occurred on April 21 in the Gage Park area, where Officer Huesca was shot and killed on his way home from work. The suspect, Tate, was identified five days after the crime through video footage released by the Chicago police.
Officer Huesca, who was just two days shy of his 31st birthday, had served with the Chicago Police Department for six years. He was described as a beloved son, brother, and uncle by the CPD.
During the attack, Huesca was shot nearly 20 times with a firearm that had been modified into an automatic weapon. His vehicle was stolen, but later recovered nearby. Notably, his service weapon and badge were missing from the scene.
Tate had a prior arrest for criminal trespass to a residence in Olympia Fields on March 6, according to court documents. A combined reward of $100,000 was offered by various organizations for information leading to Tate's arrest.
The CPD has urged the community to continue supporting the Huesca family during this difficult time. Officer Huesca was laid to rest on Monday, as colleagues and loved ones mourned his loss.
