The suspect accused of the lethal shooting of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca has been captured, officials said on Wednesday. Xavier Tate, 22, is facing a first-degree murder charge for the slaying that occurred last month near Huesca's Gage Park residence on the city's Southwest Side, according to the Chicago Tribune.
With an arrest warrant issued, Tate was arrested in Glendale Heights by the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. As reported by CBS News, in a symbolic gesture, Tate was apprehended wearing Huesca's own handcuffs, adding a poignant note to the arrest.
On April 21, Huesca, a six-year CPD veteran, was found fatally shot, and authorities ruled his death occurred in the line of duty. He was murdered while returning home from his shift, still dressed in his uniform. A ShotSpotter alert initially alerted police to the crime scene on the 5500 block of South Kedzie Avenue.
Tate is believed to have been on the run since the killing, staying in an apartment complex where a relative resided in Glendale Heights. Caught off guard by the arrest, Yusuli Hernandez, a neighbor in the complex, told CBS News, "It's honestly crazy to think the whole time, he's been hiding out here. It's insane because you wouldn't have guessed in a place like this - filled with families, and you know, everyone here is friendly - you wouldn't think that someone like that is right across the street from you." Adding to the investigation, police recovered Huesca's stolen gun near the home of a relative of Tate.
Officer Huesca, who would have turned 31 just two days after the shooting, was fondly remembered at his funeral for his brilliance, care, and vivacity. Hundreds gathered to honor his memory, with the CPD providing full honors. A combined reward of $100,000 had been offered for information leading to Tate's arrest and conviction. The Chicago Police released a statement urging the community to keep Huesca's family in their thoughts as they navigate the loss of, "a beloved son, brother and uncle," as obtained by the Tribune.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Chicago detectives maintained a strong presence at the Glendale Heights complex late into the night following the arrest, with evidence collection expected to persist well into the following morning.
