Police Officer, 36, Killed by Her Partner in Friendly Fire Shooting: ‘She Lost Her Life Tragically Doing the Job She Loved’

Officer Krystal Rivera, a 36-year-old Chicago police officer and devoted single mother, was fatally shot in the back by her partner during a tactical operation in the Chatham neighborhood on Thursday evening. The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.

Just before 10 p.m., Rivera and her partner initiated an investigatory stop on a suspect believed armed, following him into a three-story apartment building at 8210 S. Drexel Ave. Noticing the suspect had a weapon, the officers gave chase and were met by a second armed individual inside an apartment.

At that point, the partner — the only officer involved who fired his weapon — discharged a shot in response to the imminent threat posed by an AR-style rifle. Unfortunately, the bullet struck Rivera in the back.

After being shot, Officer Rivera was placed in a CPD squad car. During transit to the hospital, the squad malfunctioned and caught fire following a crash. She was quickly transferred to a second vehicle and rushed to the hospital. Despite efforts, she succumbed to her injuries in under an hour.

Two suspects, including 25‑year‑old Adrian Rucker of Freeport, Illinois, were arrested shortly after fleeing the apartment. Authorities recovered three firearms—an AR‑style pistol with a 60‑round drum magazine, a Glock 20 10 mm pistol, and another AR­style weapon—along with multiple magazines, drugs, and fake IDs. Rucker faces several felony charges: armed violence, possession of an unlicensed firearm, drug offenses, and possession of fraudulent IDs.

Krystal Rivera joined the Chicago Police Department in 2021 and had served as a dedicated member of the force for four years. She was a graduate of the academy, a loving mother to her 10‑year‑old daughter Bella, and deeply connected to her single-parent role.

Her mother, Yolanda, and daughter shared heartfelt memories:

“When she said bye, it’s like she had a feeling… She gave me the biggest hug, biggest kiss, and she said, ‘If anything happens, I’m always right here,’ in my heart.”

Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed that Rivera was the only casualty of the partner’s shot, stressing the ongoing investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability and CPD’s internal review — including a reassessment of training protocols.

Snelling described Rivera as “young, vibrant, a hard worker,” praising her devotion to making Chicago safer.

Mayor Brandon Johnson extended his condolences, calling the city together in mourning and honoring Rivera’s “bold and energetic” approach to public safety.