Northwest Illinois man connected to CPD officer’s shooting death appears in court

CHICAGO (WGN) — The man charged in the death of Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera appeared before a Cook County judge on Thursday.

During a brief appearance in Cook County Criminal Court, 25-year-old Adrian Rucker’s public defender got permission from the judge to move Thursday’s status hearing for his client to Friday. Post-hearing, the mother and aunt of Rucker told WGN News that they still have questions for investigators concerning the June 5 incident on the city’s South Side.

“We’re waiting for bodycam footage,” Monique Reed, Rucker’s aunt, said.

Authorities said the deadly shooting unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. as CPD officers pursued Rucker, who allegedly fled from a nearby investigatory stop at an apartment near E. 82nd St. and S. Drexel Avenue.

According to CPD, Rivera and another police officer chased an armed Rucker into a unit. Prosecutors say Rucker fled down a hallway and bodycam video captures the suspect pointing an AR pistol, but not firing it.

“He never had a rifle,” Reed said. “Never had a gun. No gun was found on him.”

While 36-year-old Officer Rivera chased the initial suspect, the officer with her accidentally fired his weapon, striking and killing the four-year veteran of Chicago police.

“My condolences to her family, but my nephew is not responsible for her death,” Reed said.

Along with serving as part of the Sixth District’s tactical team, those who knew Officer Rivera remembered her as a loving mom who was known for her courage and compassion. 

Inside the unit on Drexel, investigators say they found three guns, suspected narcotics, and multiple fake IDs with Rucker’s picture. The 25-year-old of Freeport —a town west of Rockford— faces multiple felonies, including armed violence, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal drug possession. 

Monique Reed says her nephew doesn’t live in the apartment where the shooting occurred.

“I feel like he’s being railroaded right now,” she said. “We have his side of the story.”

Court documents say the armed suspect Officer Rivera and the other officer were chasing last Thursday got away. WGN News reached out to Chicago police to learn if the department is continuing its search, but has not yet heard back.

Funeral arrangements for Officer Rivera are pending.