Chicago Police Officer Carlos A. Baker, involved in the accidental shooting death of his partner, Officer Krystal Rivera, has a notable disciplinary history marked by more than a dozen misconduct complaints since joining the force in December 2021. Despite his troubling record, which includes three suspensions and multiple reprimands, Baker was assigned to a tactical team that engages in high-risk operations against crime in Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods.
The tragic incident, which occurred during a confrontation with armed suspects, has raised questions about the oversight and assignment of tactical officers within the Chicago Police Department. River, lauded as a dedicated officer, was killed by “friendly fire,” marking a rare occurrence in the department after nearly four decades. This situation is compounded by a previous gun theft linked to the same tactical unit, prompting renewed scrutiny of policing practices and accountability in the city.
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