Chicago Police Officer Aréanah M. Preston
End of Watch: May 6, 2023
Preston was with the Chicago Police Department for three years after graduating from Illinois State University. She was due to graduate from Loyola University this weekend with a Masters of Jurisprudence from the School of Law.
CPD said Preston was killed in an armed robbery turned deadly. She had just finished her shift and was still in uniform when robbers passed her in a car, circled back and approached her while armed near her home in Avalon Park.
Police said at least three of the suspects exited the vehicle and two of them started shooting. A switch was attached to one of the murder weapons, making it automatic, according to authorities.
Preston returned fire. She was hit at least twice and also grazed by a bullet. ShotSpotter, the city’s gunshot detection system, picked up the barrage of gunfire. A total of 11 9mm shell casings were recovered from the scene.
Preston was wearing an Apple Watch which sent an alert of a "traffic crash" to police dispatch which sent a 4th District officer to the scene. The officer rendered aid before driving Preston to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Our prayers and condolences go out to Officer Preston's family and loved ones mourning the loss of our fallen hero.
