Arrests have been made in the shooting death of Areanah Preston, the 24-year-old off-duty Chicago police officer who was killed Saturday.
Authorities said Preston had just gotten off work when she was shot and killed around 1:42 a.m. during a robbery in front in front of her home.
A responding officer drove Preston to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries, Fox 32 Chicago reported.
“The officer picked her up, put her in the back of his car, and immediately brought her to U of C hospital where she succumbed to her injuries early this morning,” said Interim Police Supt. Eric Carter said.
Chicago police haven’t released many details about the case but revealed four “persons of interest” — two males and two females — were arrested overnight following long standoff with police in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood, The Chicago Tribune reports.
Authorities also reported the officer’s service weapon was stolen.
Preston worked for the department for three years and was set to graduate on May 13 with a Master of Jurisprudence from the School of Law.
Mayor Lightfoot has been in touch with the grieving family members who have asked for privacy.
“When I got the call this morning, I wasn’t just a Mayor, I was a mom thinking about what the parents of this young officer are feeling today,” Lightfoot said.
Dozens of Chicago police gathered as the falling officer’s body was taken from U of C to the Medical Examiner’s office.
“I’m outraged and devastated by this horrific violence against a public servant and will do everything to support the family and CPD during this traumatic time,” said Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson.
