Areanah Preston, a police officer from Chicago, was fatally shot in front of her own residence

by bollywoodfever · 07/05/2023

An off-duty police officer from Chicago, Areanah Preston, age 24, was fatally shot in the front yard of her home located at 81st and Blackstone in Avalon Park, following the sound of multiple gunshots.

Reports suggest that her service weapon was stolen during the incident. While the authorities are yet to release detailed information, Mayor Lightfoot stated that the victim’s family has requested privacy. The detectives are currently investigating to determine whether the officer was deliberately targeted or if the incident was a robbery.

The tragic news of Areanah Preston’s death has left her loved ones devastated, as they gathered outside the U of C Hospital to mourn. According to Interim Police Superintendent Eric Carter, Preston was picked up by an officer and immediately taken to the hospital, where she passed away early in the morning. Preston had just completed her shift and had been working with the Chicago Police Department for three years.

Loyola University has confirmed that Preston was set to graduate with a Masters of Jurisprudence from the School of Law on May 13. Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who spoke to the family, expressed her sympathy for the officer’s parents, describing the incident as a tragedy.

The procession carrying Preston’s body from the hospital to the Medical Examiner’s office was accompanied by dozens of Chicago police officers. Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson released a statement expressing his outrage and devastation at the violence against a public servant, and pledging to support both the family and the Chicago Police Department during this traumatic time. Preston was a well-liked and intelligent officer, assigned to the CPD’s 5th district at 727 E. 111th. No suspects are currently in custody, according to the Chicago police.