March 24, 2019 – In Breaking News – Chicago Tribune
The gunman who authorities believe shot and killed an off-duty Chicago police officer and wounded his friend once applied to be a Chicago cop before he was arrested at the police academy a few years ago in connection with a home invasion, sources said.
Chicago Police officials said as many as three people had been held for questioning since the shooting at 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
(Courtesy of Chicago CBS 2.)
Officials on Sunday afternoon confirmed one of those people is believed to be the shooter responsible for the homicide of off-duty Officer John P. Rivera and the shooting of his friend, who was in critical condition at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, but who officials have said is expected to survive.
“Investigators have been working around the clock to follow evidence and review dozens of independent camera feeds,” police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said Sunday morning.
“We continue to identify persons of interest based on the investigation and we are speaking to those individuals.”
Guglielmi would not comment on any information about the suspected shooter including whether he was in custody.
The suspect, 24, was arrested on July 3, 2017 after breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s apartment in the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side and putting a gun to her head, police and court records show.
In that case, the 22-year-old victim told police the suspect came into her home through a side window and threatened to kill her before leaving.
Before fleeing, the suspect told the victim he was going to the Chicago police academy in the West Loop later that day after officers learned he was going to be there to take a polygraph test as part of the application process to become a cop, according to records.
Case Update: investigators have been working around the clock to follow evidence & review dozens of camera feeds. We continue to identify persons of interest based on the investigation and we are speaking to those individuals. pic.twitter.com/ryYog8ilBF
— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) March 24, 2019
Officers called ahead to the academy, and the suspect was arrested for home invasion and weapon charges…
Continue reading… Off-duty officer’s suspected killer once a CPD applicant
Editor’s note: Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of CPD Officer Rivera, both blood and blue. Thank you for your bravery in serving the citizens of Chicago with pride and distinction. You will not be forgotten.
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Off-duty officer’s suspected killer once a CPD applicant
