A POLICE officer and mum-of-one has died after her colleague “unintentionally” shot her while on duty.
Krystal Rivera, 36, was killed during a confrontation with armed suspects in Chicago.
The tragedy unfolded when Rivera and other officers were patrolling a neighbourhood on Thursday and tried to stop a suspect, NBC Chicago reports.
The suspect fled on foot into a nearby apartment as cops ran behind, Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling said.
When police entered the apartment, another suspect pointed a rifle at them.
An officer opened fire – and Rivera was “unintentionally” shot in the back.
She was rushed to hospital by officers – but the police vehicle “malfunctioned” and caught fire and she had to be put in another car, cops said.
Rivera, who had been in the police force for four years, was sadly pronounced dead at hospital.
Another officer reportedly suffered a wrist injury.
Rivera was described by the Chicago Police Department as a brave and caring officer who dedicated her professional life to assisting others and safeguarding our city.
Snelling said Rivera was the mother of a young daughter.
The spokesman also mentioned the emotional burden of informing her family, especially her mother, young daughter, and relatives, about the tragic news.
He added: “She was a hero, and she lost her life tragically doing the job that she loved.
“That was one of the things that her mother said, she loved her job, and the way that she worked.”
In an Instagram post, the Chicago Fire Department posted a picture of the officer, saying she “made the ultimate sacrifice in service” to the city.
According to Snelling, two people inside the apartment fled but were taken into custody soon after.
He added that “several individuals” are in custody and three weapons were recovered from the scene.
The Chicago Office of Police Accountability – which assesses incidents that involve officers firing weapons – are conducting an investigation.
Speaking about Rivera, Snelling said: “She had already processed two other guns working that day.
“She was a working police officer trying to keep the street safe. And she did great work.
“And if you talk to anyone on her team, they would tell you how great of a worker she was.
“This is the risk that our officers take every single day.”
Snelling added that “this happens way too often”.
He added: “An officer, a young officer, 36-years-old and four years on the job who was working hard.
“These officers are out here driving down crime while putting their lives at risk.
He emphasized the importance of supporting Rivera’s family during this difficult time and recognizing the dangers she faced daily while carrying out her duties.
Police reportedly issued a search warrant for the apartment, and an investigation is said to be underway.
