CHICAGO – One of Chicago’s most valiant citizens was murdered in front of her own residence. Multiple gunshots were heard at 81st and Blackstone in Avalon Park, prompting the police to respond. Areanah Preston, a 24-year-old off-duty Chicago Police officer, was discovered lying in the front yard. According to sources, her service weapon was stolen.
The Chicago police are withholding many details about this case. The mayor reports that the family has requested privacy. Detectives are attempting to determine whether the victim was targeted or a robbery victim.
Outside of U.C. Hospital, bereaved family and friends have learned the news.
“The officer picked her up, placed her in the trunk of his car, and rushed her to the University of Chicago Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries this morning,” interim police superintendent Eric Carter said.
Carter states that Preston had just completed her shift. Preston served three years with the department.
The School of Law at Loyola University confirms that she was on track to graduate on May 13 with a Master of Jurisprudence.
Earlier in the day, Mayor Lori Lightfoot spoke with family members and reported that their lives have been shattered.
Lightfoot stated, “When I received the call this morning, I was not only a mayor but also a mother thinking about how the parents of this young officer are feeling today.”
As Preston’s body was transported from U of C to the Medical Examiner’s office, dozens of Chicago police joined a procession. In a statement, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson stated:
Brandon Johnson, the incoming mayor, said, “I am outraged and devastated by this horrific violence against a public servant, and I will do everything I can to support the family and CPD during this traumatic time.”
Preston was assigned to the 5th district of the Chicago Police Department at 727 E. 111th; many of her coworkers described her as intelligent and well-liked. The Chicago police report that no suspects are currently in custody.