An off-duty Chicago police officer, identified as Officer Luis Huesca, was fatally shot early Sunday in Gage Park on the Southwest Side in what appears to be a carjacking, according to sources familiar with the incident.

The heartbreaking episode unfolded around 2:55 AM when officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert in the 3100 block of West 56th Street and discovered Officer Huesca suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Despite swift medical attention, the 30-year-old officer succumbed to his injuries at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago Sun-Times reports.

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A Devastating Loss

Chicago police officer Huesca, just two days shy of his 31st birthday, had dedicated six years of service to the Chicago Police Department.

Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing Huesca as an outstanding officer and a remarkable individual, according to NBC Chicago.

While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, Snelling refrained from confirming whether the shooting occurred during a Chicago carjacking, although he acknowledged that Huesca's vehicle had been stolen.

No arrests have been made thus far, leaving the community shaken and grieving over the senseless violence that claimed the life of one of its dedicated protectors.

In a touching tribute to his friend Officer Vasquez Lasso, Huesca once described him as "the epitome of the American dream."

The sentiment underscores the profound impact Huesca had both within the police force and in his community.

As law enforcement agencies, including the ATF and the Cook County Sheriff's Office, collaborate to investigate the tragic incident, condolences pour in from Mayor Brandon Johnson and fellow officers.

Huesca's untimely demise serves as a poignant reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily to uphold public safety and protect their communities.

Investigation Underway

As authorities intensify their efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding Huesca's death, K-9 units and detectives from multiple agencies have descended upon the scene.

The preliminary stages of the investigation suggest that Huesca, who was still in uniform at the time of the shooting, may have been targeted while on his way home from work.

Questions loom over the motive behind the attack, with Snelling emphasizing the need for additional information to ascertain the full extent of the tragedy.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, in a statement expressing solidarity with the Huesca family, vowed to mobilize every available resource to apprehend those responsible for the shooting and ensure that justice is served, Block Club Chicago noted.

The mayor's unwavering commitment reflects the city's determination to hold accountable those who perpetrate acts of violence and inflict immeasurable pain upon innocent lives.

As the investigation unfolds, the community stands united in mourning the loss of Chicago police officer Huesca and honoring his legacy of service and sacrifice.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Off-duty Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca shot to death in Gage Park while driving home from shift - From ABC 7 Chicago