A young Chicago police officer, Carlos A. Baker, inadvertently shot and killed his partner, Officer Krystal Rivera, during an unexpected encounter with armed suspects. By the time of this tragic incident, Baker had already accumulated an alarming record of over a dozen misconduct complaints since joining the Chicago Police Department in December 2021.
Baker faced multiple disciplinary actions, including three suspensions and two reprimands. One notable incident involved a failure to arrest a home invader during his first shift as a probationary officer. The Chicago Police Department had the authority to terminate his employment during this probationary period due to his lack of union protections.
Among the serious complaints against Baker was an allegation that he brandished a firearm at a woman he had met online while she was on a date with another man at a North Side bar in December 2022. The woman later declined to cooperate with the investigation, resulting in no disciplinary actions against Baker.
Records indicate that Baker’s track record of misconduct is particularly concerning, as only about 5% of Chicago police officers have received six or more complaints from 2018 to 2023, according to the Invisible Institute.
Despite his problematic history, Baker was assigned to the Gresham District tactical team, a specialized unit focused on removing guns and drugs from the streets and addressing crime in various neighborhoods.
City officials remained tight-lipped about Baker’s background, his tactical team assignment, or department policies related to the shooting, citing an ongoing investigation by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA). The department also refrained from releasing records tied to Baker’s history, citing a court order that prohibits such disclosures in light of the shooting.
The incident that led to Rivera’s death occurred on the night of June 5, as Baker and Rivera were patrolling together. They spotted a man with a firearm in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue and pursued him into an apartment complex. During this pursuit, another individual aimed an AR-style pistol at Baker, resulting in him accidentally shooting Rivera in the back.
Following the shooting, both officers involved were placed on administrative duties per department policy—a standard procedure given the severity of such incidents. Rivera’s death marks a significant moment in Chicago police history, as she became the first officer to be killed by friendly fire in nearly four decades.
This incident adds to a growing concern surrounding the Gresham District tactical team, which has faced scrutiny after a separate incident involving a botched gun buyback event at St. Sabina Church in December 2023. During this event, a .45-caliber Glock was stolen from the tactical team’s inventory and later involved in a series of shootings, eventually being recovered from a 16-year-old suspect.
Baker’s attorney, Tim Grace, expressed deep sympathy for the loss, referring to Rivera’s death as a tragic accident that exemplifies the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers. He emphasized the need to focus on Rivera’s memory rather than questioning the decisions made during the incident.
Baker, who once played college football at Southern Utah University, has developed a social media presence through viral TikTok videos showcasing his life as a police officer. However, his time in the department was marked by a series of red flags regarding his behavior.
As a probationary officer, Baker found himself embroiled in multiple incidents that raised concerns about his conduct. One of the most troubling allegations came from a woman who reported that Baker confronted her and brandished a firearm while she was on a date with another man. Although the woman initially reported the encounter, she later chose not to cooperate with the investigation, hindering any potential disciplinary action against Baker.
In subsequent months, Baker was involved in an unlawful traffic stop where he and another officer mistakenly detained a driver in what they thought was a stolen vehicle but later realized was a clerical error. This incident led to a five-day suspension due to the improper handling of the situation and failure to complete necessary reports.
Baker’s record also includes two preventable car accidents, one resulting in a day off suspension and the other receiving a reprimand. He currently faces multiple internal investigations addressing claims of insubordination and failure to fulfill his duties as an officer.
Officer Rivera, in contrast, was widely praised for her dedication and commitment to her duties. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling acknowledged her efforts, highlighting the two firearms she had confiscated earlier during her shift the night she was fatally shot.
Following the revelation of the stolen Glock from the St. Sabina buyback, Rivera actively participated in the search for the missing firearm. Records reveal that she was not implicated in any misconduct related to the incident and that her proactive efforts exemplified her commitment to her role as an officer.
Rivera’s diligence was evident when she described her extensive search to investigators, missing no corner in her pursuit to locate the missing weapon. She mentioned rummaging through numerous storage spaces in the tactical team office and even checking her colleagues’ personal belongings in an attempt to recover the firearm.
Superintendent Snelling recently emphasized the exemplary qualities Rivera exhibited as an officer, describing her as a true leader and a hard-charging individual who understood the risks associated with her line of work. Mourners gathered for her funeral at Living Word Christian Center in Forest Park, reflecting on her legacy as both a police officer and a person.
As the investigation into Rivera’s death and the circumstances surrounding it continues, deeper discussions regarding police oversight, training, and accountability are critical in light of the recent events. The tragic loss of Officer Rivera serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement and the profound need for reform within the system.
image source from:wbez