CHICAGO — An off-duty Chicago police officer was found fatally shot inside the Near North (18th) District station, 1160 North Larrabee, overnight, officials said.
Colleagues found the 34-year-old female officer down inside a restroom near the station’s front desk around 2:07 a.m. Based on preliminary information, an officer at the scene said the shooting appeared to be self-inflicted.
The police department released the following statement:
The Chicago Police Department is mourning the tragic loss of an officer within the 18th District station. Detectives are currently conducting a death investigation. Our officers are human, and we cannot forget that they face the same challenges as everyone else while balancing the difficulties that come with being a police officer. We ask the public to keep this officer’s family and her fellow officers in your prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.
Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), whose ward includes parts of the 18th District, reacted on X: “Terrible news. A tragic reminder that our brave women & men at CPD – while heroes at work – are still human beings who struggle with mental health issues like everyone else. Please keep our officers at the 18th Police District in your prayers as they grieve the senseless loss of one of their own.”
CPD units from other districts were brought in to cover 911 calls for their 18th District colleagues on the overnight shift.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with statements by CPD and Ald. Reilly.
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