The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who shot and killed Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca has increased to $100,000, officials announced Saturday.
One day earlier, Chicago police released updated pictures of the suspected gunman, Xavier Tate Jr. Although a warrant had been issued for Tate’s arrest, he had yet to be apprehended.
The Chicago Police Department announced Saturday evening that Cook County Crime Stoppers and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms have partnered up to provide a combined $25,000. The Chicago authorities Memorial Foundation, the FBI, and the Fraternal Order of Police contributed an additional $75,000, according to authorities.
According to court filings, the 22-year-old fatally shot Huesca with a 40-caliber handgun, and he was discovered with several gunshot wounds near his Gage Park house early Sunday morning. According to a police report, officers responded to a ShotSpotter warning at 2:53 a.m. near West 56th Street and South Kedzie Avenue to find the fellow officer, who had been wounded in the face.
Huesca was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was later confirmed dead due to injuries. Huesca, a 6-year member of the force, had just finished his duty and was on his way home in uniform when the shooting occurred. His Toyota SUV was stolen after the incident, but it was eventually found.
According to court documents, Tate, the suspect, was supposed to appear in court earlier this week on an unrelated case but did not. One day after the fatal shooting, investigators released still photographs and video of a person of interest.
Late Friday, police recognized Tate as the person seen in previously released security film. Police advised anyone who sees him to phone 911 immediately, as he is armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information concerning his location was encouraged to contact Area One detectives at 312-747-8380. Anonymous tips can be filed online.