In a significant development, Chicago police announced the apprehension of Xavier Tate Jr., the prime suspect in the brutal murder of off-duty officer Luis Huesca.
According to reports, Tate was taken into custody by a joint operation involving Chicago police officers and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Glendale Heights, Illinois.
Video of accused cop killer Xavier Tate being taken into custody.
No injuries were reported and Tate reportedly was hiding inside of an apartment. He gave up when confronted by police. pic.twitter.com/yVlQGUqpSL
— 16th & 17th District Chicago Police Scanner (@CPD1617Scanner) May 2, 2024
“This arrest is a crucial step in seeking justice for Officer Huesca and his grieving family,” said Chicago police in a statement, urging continued support and prayers for the bereaved family, Fox News reports.
The arrest comes after days of intense pursuit since Tate was identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of Officer Huesca on April 21 in the Gage Park area. Huesca, who was tragically killed just days shy of his 31st birthday, was ambushed and shot multiple times while on his way home from work, still in his police uniform.
Details of the crime reveal a chilling scenario, with Huesca being targeted with a firearm modified into an automatic weapon, and his service weapon and badge reportedly missing from the scene. The investigation intensified when video footage of Tate was released by authorities, capturing him in various locations prior to the incident.
Tate’s criminal history adds complexity to the case, with previous arrests including charges of criminal trespass to a residence in Olympia Fields. He was due to appear in court for this matter just days before his apprehension.
#Thread: Today, family of fallen CPD Officer Luis Huesca faced the man accused in his murder, Xavier Tate, for the first time.
The detention hearing lasted for close to an hour.
In court ASA Ann McCord said, “We don’t just have video, he left pieces of himself at every turn.” pic.twitter.com/usfKJcbV7u
— Courtney Spinelli (@CourtSpinelliTV) May 3, 2024
The pursuit of justice for Officer Huesca has garnered widespread attention and support, with various agencies and organizations offering a substantial reward for information leading to Tate’s arrest. The fallen officer, who served the Chicago Police Department for six years, was laid to rest on Monday, marking a somber moment for the law enforcement community and the city as a whole.
