Xavier Tate, Jr., a 22-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of an off-duty Chicago police officer, Luis Huesca, has been taken into custody by the Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force in Glendale Heights, Illinois. Huesca, who was shot and killed on April 21 in the Gage Park area while on his way home from work, was shot nearly 20 times with a firearm modified into an automatic weapon. Tate was identified as the suspect in Huesca’s killing on April 26, and video footage of him was released to the public. Tate had a prior arrest for criminal trespass to a residence on March 6 in Olympia Fields.
Huesca’s vehicle was stolen during the incident, but was found nearby shortly after. However, his service weapon and badge were missing from the scene. The Chicago Police Department released images of Tate as a suspect in the shooting death of Officer Huesca, asking for information from the public to assist in his arrest. Tate had been due to appear in court for the criminal trespass case on the day he was taken into custody for the murder of Huesca. Crime Stoppers, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, the FBI, and the Fraternal Order of Police had offered a combined $100,000 reward for information leading to Tate’s arrest.
Officer Huesca had served with the Chicago Police Department for six years and was killed just two days before his 31st birthday. He was laid to rest on Monday, with the department asking for continued support for his family. Superintendent Larry Snelling described Huesca as a beloved son, brother, and uncle, and encouraged the people of Chicago to keep his family in their prayers as they mourn his loss. The shooting of Officer Huesca was described as a tragic incident, with an outpouring of support and condolences from the community and law enforcement agencies.
Tate’s arrest brought closure and a sense of justice for the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Huesca. The arrest was the result of a collaborative effort between the Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Task Force, highlighting the importance of coordinated law enforcement efforts in apprehending suspects in violent crimes. The police department expressed gratitude for the support and assistance from various agencies and organizations in the Chicago area in apprehending Tate and bringing him to justice for his alleged role in the murder of Officer Huesca.
The loss of Officer Huesca was deeply felt within the Chicago Police Department and the larger community, with tributes and memorials honoring his service and sacrifice. The investigation into his death and the subsequent arrest of Xavier Tate Jr. underscored the dedication and determination of law enforcement officials to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice. The resolution of this case brought a measure of closure and justice to the family and colleagues of Officer Huesca, providing some comfort in the midst of tragedy and loss. The efforts to arrest Tate and hold him accountable for his alleged actions reflect the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring the safety and security of the community.
