Authorities late Friday released new photos of the suspect who allegedly shot and killed Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca as they pleaded for anyone with information on his whereabouts to come forward.
In a community alert at 10:51 p.m., Chicago police said an arrest warrant had been issued for Xavier Tate Jr., 22, who was wanted in connection with Huesca's murder.
Earlier on Friday, a judge signed charging documents and the warrant for Tate, according to filings published with the Circuit Court of Cook County.
According to court records, the 22-year-old used a 40-caliber handgun to fatally shoot Huesca, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds early Sunday morning near his Gage Park home. Police discovered the fellow officer, who had been shot in the face, after responding to a ShotSpotter alert at 2:53 a.m. near West 56th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, according to a police report.
Huesca was rushed to the University of Chicago Medical Center and later pronounced dead from his injuries. A 6-year veteran of the force, Huesca had just gotten off a shift and was heading home in uniform when the shooting occurred. His Toyota SUV was stolen following the shooting but was later recovered.
Court records show Tate, the suspect, was due in court earlier this week on an unrelated matter but did not appear. On Monday, one day following the deadly shooting, authorities released still images and video of a person of interest.
In an update late Friday, Chicago police identified Tate as the individual in the previously-released footage. Police urged anyone who sees him to call 911 immediately as he should be considered armed and dangerous.
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Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to call Area One detectives at 312-747-8380. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.
News of the arrest warrant being issued comes as the community and Huesca's fellow Chicago police officers prepare for his visitation and funeral in the coming days. Huesca's visitation is planned for Sunday, followed by his funeral on Monday.
