Suspect Xavier Tate, Jr., arrested in Glendale Heights with Officer Huesca's handcuffs: Alderman
GLENDALE HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) -- The intense manhunt for Xavier Tate, Jr., suspect in the murder of Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca, is over.
Wednesday night, Chicago police and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force descended on an apartment complex in Glendale Heights and arrested the man who they say killed Officer Huesca during a carjacking on April 21.
WATCH: The moment Xavier Tate, Jr. is taken into custody in Glendale Heights
Alderman Brian Hopkins says investigators used tools like credit cards, cell phones ,and license plate readers that ultimately led them to Glendale Heights.
Tate is now charged with first degree murder, aggravated vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen firearm, police said. The Chicago Police Department thanked their "prosecutorial partners" in the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for their work securing the charges.
Tate was surrounded by law enforcement as they walked him down a flight of stairs, with the moment captured by a neighbor's cell phone camera.
According to Alderman Hopkins and multiple police sources, the handcuffs restraining Tate's wrists behind his back were the department-issued handcuffs belonging to Officer Huesca.
Hopkins said he was briefed by someone directly involved in the investigation who said Tate Jr. was "constantly on the move" for duration of the 10-day manhunt. At some point in that time, Hopkins said he was told Tate Jr. was in Dubuque, Iowa, but was not sure at what point or how long he stayed there.
"There is a suggestion that he was aware that he was the subject of a massive manhunt and he didn't hold still very long. He was in constant motion trying to avoid detection," Hopkins said.
The quick release of the surveillance video montage aided in Tate Jr.'s eventual capture, Hopkins said.
"What helped was that it was in the off hours when there wasn't a lot of activity on the street. It allowed for investigators to access the pod camera video during a time when there really wasn't much else going on," he said.
The US Marshals are now working to retrace Tate Jr.'s steps and find out who, if anyone, was involved, Hopkins said. He said that investigation could result in additional charges for Tate Jr. and others, like potential accomplices.
In an internal note, confirmed by multiple police sources, Supt. Larry Snelling thanked detectives for the tireless pursuit of the alleged killer, saying, in part, "They did this for our fallen brother, Officer Huesca, and to make sure his killer would not put another family through what the Huesca family is enduring."
The Huesca family released a statement on the arrest, saying in part, "We extend our immense gratitude to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department for their unwavering support and dedication to our family, with special recognition to Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chief Antoinette Ursitti, and Chicago FOP President John Catanzara for their exceptional support during our darkest hours.
"We also commend the U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts. Their relentless dedication fuels our hope for swift justice for Officer Huesca."
Just before Xavier Tate, Jr. appears in court Friday morning, Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, State's Attorney Kim Foxx, and Mayor Brandon Johnson will speak publicly for the first time about this murder investigation.
Next door neighbor Walter Scott heard the huge law enforcement presence in the hallway.
"I just stayed in my apartment and I was actually afraid you know if shots would be ringing out or anything," neighbor Walter Scott said.
While some residents seeing Tate in the building, it's not believed he lived there.
"I seen him in the hallway a couple of times. And I know his cousin," said Chris Gayton, resident.
Pastor Matt Foley with St. Gall Church has been praying with the Huesca family saying this arrest is a step forward on their path to healing.
"There's never gonna be complete healing," Pastor Foley said. "They're going to have holes in their hearts until God willing they see each other again. But this will allow them to begin the healing."
People who live in this complex watched investigators swarm in; others were warned to stay away.
"I was actually warned by my sister," neighbor Yusili Hernandez said. "She also lives across the street from all of this. She told me don't come home at all. Wherever you are, don't come home. There's helicopters, police everywhere."
The multi-agency arrest marked the end of a 10-day manhunt.
Just a day after Officer Huesca's murder, Chicago police began circulating this surveillance video of a suspect inside multiple convenience stores and walking down sidewalks in Gage Park in the hours before and just after Huesca was gunned down.
Then last Friday, a Cook County judge signed an arrest warrant charging Tate with Officer Huesca's murder.
On the same day the judge signed that warrant, investigators arrested his relative, Caschaus Tate at a home in Chicago's Morgan Park neighborhood.
Prosecutors said police showed up looking for Xavier Tate Jr, and as they searched the home, police say Caschaus Tate tossed a gun over the fence. That gun, they say, belonged to Officer Huesca.
Additional court documents show Tate, Jr. was arrested on March 6 on a misdemeanor charge of criminal trespassing in Olympia Fields. He was supposed to be in court for that charge last Wednesday in Markham, but he did not show up for that appearance.
Full Statement from the Huesca Family
As we confront a new chapter in the tragedy that began nearly two weeks ago with the murder of Officer Luis Huesca, we are profoundly grateful to the community for their overwhelming support and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. The warmth and solidarity shown by so many have provided essential comfort in the face of such a devastating loss.
We extend our immense gratitude to the men and women of the Chicago Police Department for their unwavering support and dedication to our family, with special recognition to Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chief Antoinette Ursitti, and Chicago FOP President John Catanzara for their exceptional support during our darkest hours.
We also commend the U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies for their tireless efforts. Their relentless dedication fuels our hope for swift justice for Officer Huesca.
As we place our trust in the justice system for a thorough and just resolution, the potential for lenient pre-trial release conditions that might allow a heinous murderer to walk free is deeply troubling. The vile nature of this crime and its devastating impact on our family and the community demand uncompromising pursuit of justice.
While no measure of justice can bring Officer Huesca back or fully heal our hearts, we take solace in his enduring legacy of service and bravery.
Thank you all for honoring the memory of Officer Luis Huesca.
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