A Chicago police officer lost her life in a tragic incident when her own partner's weapon discharged during a pursuit operation. Krystal Rivera, a 36-year-old mother and four-year veteran of the department, died after being shot in the back while chasing a suspect.

According to the New York Post, the fatal shooting occurred Thursday night when Rivera and her tactical unit partner pursued a suspect into an apartment, where they encountered another individual wielding a rifle. An autopsy confirmed Rivera sustained a gunshot wound to her back.

The incident unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. as Rivera's tactical unit conducted a stop on someone suspected of possessing a weapon. When the suspect fled, officers gave chase, which culminated in the apartment encounter where the shooting occurred.

Chaotic emergency response followed shooting

Rivera's colleagues rushed her to a hospital in a police vehicle that subsequently crashed and caught fire due to a mechanical malfunction. The injured officer had to be transferred to another squad car to complete the journey to the medical facility.

Despite these efforts to save her life, Rivera was pronounced dead at the hospital less than an hour after sustaining the gunshot wound. The emergency response reflected the chaotic and urgent nature of the situation as fellow officers attempted to get their wounded colleague medical attention.

Police Superintendent Larry Snelling later confirmed that investigators recovered three weapons from the scene. Officials stated that the person who allegedly brandished the rifle during the encounter was taken into custody, though charges had not been immediately announced.

Rivera's lifelong dream to serve

Rivera fulfilled her childhood dream when she joined the Chicago Police Department in 2021. Her dedication to public service was evident throughout her relatively short but impactful career.

"For me, it's a privilege," Rivera told the Chicago Sun-Times at her academy graduation in 2021. "I come from a family of serving. To help people in need, that's my calling." These words now stand as a poignant reminder of her commitment to the profession that ultimately claimed her life.

Police Superintendent Snelling described Rivera as "young, vibrant and a hard worker," highlighting the loss felt by the department. The four-year veteran officer leaves behind a 10-year-old daughter, adding a particularly heartbreaking dimension to the tragedy.

Department confirms partner's weapon responsible

Chicago Police officials made it clear in their statement that Rivera's partner was the only person who discharged a weapon during the incident. The department's acknowledgment of the friendly fire nature of the shooting came quickly after the investigation began.

The statement released Friday explained that the "gunfire unintentionally struck Officer Rivera" during the confrontation. This confirmation addresses questions about the source of the fatal shot and establishes that no suspects fired weapons during the encounter.

Investigation into the exact circumstances of the shooting continues as the department works to understand the sequence of events that led to the accidental discharge. Officials have not released the name of Rivera's partner or details about their current status with the department.