A 34-year-old Chicago police officer known as a “very warm and welcoming person” who “loved her family” was found fatally shot early Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
She was identified as Malissa Torres, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
“She was a very warm and welcoming person,” according to a police officer who worked with her.
“When you talked with her, you just had that comfortable feeling like you know she actually listened and cared,” the officer said. “She also loved her family very much and talked about how proud she was of her son.”
In a written statement released early Thursday, Chicago police said they were “mourning the tragic loss of an officer within the 18th District station.”
Torres was found about 2:30 a.m. at the station, 1160 N. Larrabee St., according to the medical examiner’s office.
The officer, who worked in in the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) unit, was found in a first-floor bathroom with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to law enforcement sources, .
Torres was taken from the station on a stretcher.
“Our officers are human, and we cannot forget that they face the same challenges as everyone else while balancing the difficulties that come with being a police officer,” the statement read. “We ask the public to keep this officer’s family and her fellow officers in your prayers as we grieve this unimaginable loss.”
The 18th District station remained closed Thursday morning as detectives continued to investigate, police said. Service calls within the 18th District were being handled by nearby districts.
Red crime scene tape was wrapped around a Divvy bike on a rack outside the station and a sign on the door said the station is closed and that those needing assistance can go to the 1st or 19th District stations.
An officer with the 18th District was first to call in the incident, according to police scanner traffic.
“We have an emergency at the station — we need an ambulance here immediately,’’ an officer tells a dispatcher.
“Alright — what’s the reason?” the dispatcher asked. “GSW,” the officer said.
Moments later the same officer relayed more information.
“This is not an active shooter — we have an officer down here,’’ the officer says.
“There’s no offender right now. Seems self inflicted.”
Alexa James, CEO of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Chicago, said the officer’s death will likely have a profound impact on other cops, especially those who found her dead.
“Grief is felt deeply by people who are impacted. And to then have to continue to work in that space, I can’t even imagine,” said James, noting that the late officer’s colleagues should be referred to a program for department members who experience trauma at work.
“I hope they’re allowed time to process,” she added. “And it’s not just folks in [the Near North District], I’m sure she’s been in different places, and touched different people.”
James used to serve as the police department’s senior adviser of wellness, and her organization still trains officers at the police academy. She has long been vocal about the need to better address officers’ psychological needs and spates of suicides that have rocked the department.
She said officials in Chicago aren’t doing enough to bolster and fund the city’s response to a broader mental health crisis.
“This feels like our city is very sick,” she said, “and this is a symptom.”
At 5:27 a.m. Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling sent a internal memo to all officers.
“Early this morning, an off-duty officer sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the 018th District station, where she was assigned,” Snelling said in the memo.
“This was undoubtedly a difficult scene for her fellow officers within the district,” Snelling said in the memo. “As we support her family and loved ones, we must also support our fellow members who worked alongside her in the 18th District.”
“Grief affects each of us in different ways, and I ask that you each take the time to check in with one another today,” Snelling said in the memo adding that peer support is available, including from the Chaplains Ministry.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said in an emailed statement the city’s “hearts are shattered and broken over this tragedy.”
“My deepest condolences and ardent prayers are with the officer’s family, loved ones, and fellow officers as we grieve,” Johnson said. This tragedy is a reminder that we must carry each other. Every single day, our officers witness traumatic scenes, and it is our responsibility to provide them with the support they need to navigate that reality.”