To highlight the far-reaching concerns of violence in the city during his inaugural address, Chicago's new mayor discussed the recent murder of an off-duty police officer who was killed on her front lawn following a shift.
Chicago Police Officer Aréanah Preston had parked across the street from her home when three people jumped out of a car and confronted her in an apparent robbery. Preston was fatally shot, and one of the attackers grabbed her gun before all three fled in the vehicle they came in.
"Officer Preston's death, age 24, just last week reminds us what is really at stake when we talk about the future of Chicago," said new Mayor Brandon Johnson. "We have to be very clear what is at stake because she joined the Chicago Police Department for the very same reason that I ran to become the next mayor of the city of Chicago. She believed that through public service she could be a conduit for justice.
"To the family of Officer Preston, my heart is with you, and know we will be with you every step of the way. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary daughter with the city of Chicago."
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Preston had been with the department for three years and was about to graduate with her criminal justice master's degree from Loyola. Her death is considered in the line of duty to allow her family to collect death benefits.
Four people were arrested and charged in connection with Preston's killing. According to court documents, the group of teenagers was committing robberies to get money for a barbecue, and some members had committed multiple robberies before the Preston confrontation.
