Chicago police remember fallen officer Luis Huesca on his 31st birthday

CHICAGO - The Chicago Police Department (CPD) is mourning the loss of Officer Luis Huesca on what would have been his 31st birthday.

Officer Huesca had just gotten off of work early Sunday morning and was heading home when he was gunned down outside his family's home in Gage Park.

CPD posted on social media remembering Huesca for his dedication, bravery and kindness.

"On what would have been his 31st birthday, we are mourning the loss of Officer Huesca in the line of duty to the violence he worked to protect our city from. We will forever support his family and carry on his legacy of service and kindness," CPD said on Tuesday.

Just before 3 a.m. early Sunday, officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert near 55th Street and Kedzie Avenue and found Officer Huesca suffering from multiple gunshot wounds nearby.

He was located in the 3100 block of West 56th Street and transported to the University of Chicago Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 3:22 a.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

Police said Huesca's vehicle was taken, but could not confirm if the incident that led to the shooting was a carjacking. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said Huesca was in uniform at the time of the shooting but was wearing something that covered it since he was off duty.

Additionally, Huesca's service weapon and badge are still missing.

No arrests have been made. However, on Monday, police released surveillance video of a person of interest.

Outside Huesca's home on Tuesday, family members arrived with blue and silver balloons celebrating his 31st birthday. There was also a growing memorial of candles and flowers as the fallen officer's body was transported from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office to Blake Lamb funeral home in Oak Lawn. Dozens of officers participated in the procession.

Also today, community activists announced a $10,000 dollar cash reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

"We are here to let people know if you saw something, we're going to give you a $10,000 reward, no questions asked," said Dr. Kim Tee.

Supt. Snelling said Huesca had been working for the Chicago Police Department for six years. Sources told FOX 32 that Huesca was struck nearly 20 times by gunfire and the murder weapon used was believed to have a "switch" attached, making it an automatic weapon.

Police spent several hours on Monday going door to door searching for more surveillance footage and speaking with neighbors.

Huesca was close friends with Officer Andres Vasquez Lasso, who was killed in a domestic dispute last year. Huesca was also assigned to the same station, CPD's District 5, where Officer Areana Preston worked. Preston was killed in a robbery attempt last year as well.

Mayor Brandon Johnson released a statement Sunday morning expressing his condolences.

"I met with Officer Huesca’s mother and uncle this morning and assured them that they have the full support of my administration as they deal with this unspeakable loss. Our city is grieving, and our condolences go out to their entire family as well as Luis’ fellow officers and community," Johnson said.

On Sunday evening, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a statement on the officer's death: 

"A terrible loss as we cope with the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca, who was just two days shy of his 31st birthday. Thinking of his family and fellow officers as we mourn the passing of a dedicated officer. May his memory be a blessing and his service never forgotten," Pritzker said. 

On Tuesday, details of Officer Huesca's funeral arrangements were released. Visitation will take place on Sunday, April 28, at Blake and Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn and will be open to the public from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. His funeral will take place at St Rita of Cascia Catholic Church on Monday, April 29 at 10 a.m.

Cook County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information can also contact the Chicago Police Department at 312-747-8380. Anonymous tips can be submitted HERE.