Horror as Chicago cop, 30, is shot dead during brutal carjacking on his way home from work as crime continues to grip Windy City

An off-duty Chicago police officer was killed during a brutal carjacking while on his way home from work. 

Officer Luis M. Huesca, 30, was shot and killed in the Gage Park neighborhood early Sunday morning, the Chicago Police Department said. 

Officers responded to a 'gunshot detection' alert in the 550 block of South Kedzie Avenue just before 3am. 

They located Huesca, who was shot multiple times, before they transported him to the University of Chicago Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Huesca served as a Chicago Police officer for six years and was just two days shy of his 31st birthday. 

A suspect has not yet been identified and the motive for the shooting is unknown.  

CPD Supt. Larry Snelling announced Huesca's death during a press conference later Sunday morning. 

'Another sad day for the Chicago Police Department. We lost one of our own today, Snelling said. 

'That officer was a victim of the type of crime that he was working against to keep people safe in this city.' 

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also issued a statement following the young officer's death. 

'We are deeply mourning the death of Officer Luis M. Huesca of the 5th District/Priority Response Team following an act of unconscionable gun violence in our city.' 

'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,' Snelling added. 

Johnson said that his office, Snelling and the entire police department are committed to 'putting every resource available toward apprehending anyone involved.' 

Huesca's death comes a little more than a year after another CPD officer, and his friend, died in the line of duty. 

On March 1, 2023, Officer Andrés Mauricio Vásquez Lasso was killed as he responded to a domestic violence call on South Spaulding Avenue.

In a tribute video to the Lasso, Huesca was seen memorializing his friend and colleague. 

'Andrés was the epitome of the American dream, because he came to this country looking for a way to move upward, make a societal difference,' Huesca said. 

'Stepped away from mediocrity. Did what others would not do in their lifetime, and actually succeeded in this country. He’s one of those guys that actually deserved this star.'