2nd man charged in connection with accidental fatal shooting of Chicago officer

CHICAGO (WGN) — Felony charges have been filed against a second person in connection with the death of a Chicago police officer earlier this month.

Chicago police say 27-year-old Jaylin Arnold, an Avalon Park resident, has been charged with one felony count of armed violence, three felony counts of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender and one felony drug charge.

Officers say some of the charges stem from the accidental shooting death of Chicago police officer Krystal Rivera by a fellow officer on Thursday, June 5.

Officers said the incident unfolded shortly before 10 p.m. that day as officers pursued a man who allegedly fled from a nearby investigatory stop at an apartment near East 82nd Street and South Drexel Avenue.

Officers say Rivera and another officer eventually chased the suspect into a unit, but he then fled down the hallway, bodycam video captures the suspect allegedly pointing a gun at officers.

Officials said as Rivera chased the suspect, the officer who was with her accidentally fired his weapon, striking and killing the four-year veteran of the force.

Inside the unit on Drexel, investigators said they allegedly found three guns, suspected narcotics, and multiple fake IDs with the suspect’s picture.

The suspect 25-year-old Adrian Rucker, a Freeport resident, faces multiple felonies, including armed violence, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal drug possession. 

According to police, Arnold’s charges were handed down after a probe by CPD’s Investigative Response Team determined that he was allegedly armed with a gun during the encounter with officers, though it is unclear exactly when officers allegedly encountered him.

Police say Arnold was eventually taken into custody on Thursday for an alleged parole violation. Officers said at the time of his arrest, was also allegedly in possession of narcotics.

Arnold is set to appear in court on Saturday for a detention hearing.

Meanwhile, funeral arrangements have been announced for the fallen officer.

Those who knew Officer Rivera remembered her as a loving mom who was known for her courage and compassion.