Chicago Police has announced that the death of Officer Areanah Preston will be ruled as a line-of-duty death, a decision that will bring added benefits to the family of the officer, who was shot dead near her home Saturday.
A fellow officer found the 24-year-old with gunshot wounds in Avalon Park after responding to a call of shots fired. Preston, a three-year veteran of the police force, was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Following her death, four people have been taken into custody as “persons of interest,” according to NBC Chicago. The news comes after SWAT teams were dispatched to a location where the persons of interest were traced. No charges have been filed at the time of this writing.
Since Preston’s passing, dozens of tributes have poured in for the public servant, who was expected to receive her master’s degree from Loyola University in the coming days.
“Aréanah was a light whose smile brightened any room,” the National Association of Colored Women’s Club released in a statement. “She continued to lift as she climbed by serving and protecting her community as a Chicago Police Officer for the last three years.”
The Fraternal Order of Police also released a statement, writing that Preston “died taking police action.” They also stated that they “will prepare to honor her fully and properly.”
“Areanah, just like Officer Vasquez-Lasso, were shining examples of the future of our department. The loss of such youth, grace and determination will leave a void felt forever. Everyone that knew her say they are better people because of it,” the Fraternal Order added.
Before the persons of interest were taken into custody, a $5,000 reward was being offered for any information leading to an arrest in Preston’s death.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
