CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Police Department is reeling after the tragic loss of one of its own. Officer Malissa Torres, a 34-year-old member of the department’s Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) unit, was found dead early Thursday morning from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside a North Side police facility.
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Torres was discovered around 2:30 a.m. in a first-floor bathroom at the 18th District police station located at 1160 N. Larrabee Street. Despite immediate efforts to provide aid, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Law enforcement sources confirm that the fatal wound appeared to have been self-inflicted, and no foul play is suspected. Her service weapon, a department-issued firearm, was found nearby. The investigation remains ongoing, but the incident is being treated as a suicide.
Officer Torres had served in the Chicago Police Department for several years and was most recently assigned to the CAPS unit — a program focused on building trust between officers and the communities they serve through problem-solving, outreach, and public engagement. Colleagues described her as dedicated, compassionate, and deeply committed to making a difference in the neighborhoods she patrolled.
“Malissa was more than just a police officer. She was a light in our department and someone who truly cared about the community,” said a fellow officer who worked closely with her. “This loss is unimaginable.”
The news of her passing has sent shockwaves throughout the department and the broader Chicago community. Flags at police facilities were lowered to half-staff on Thursday in honor of Torres’s service. Support services have been made available to officers and staff through the department’s employee assistance program, and grief counselors have been deployed to provide emotional support.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling released a statement expressing his sorrow, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of Officer Malissa Torres. She served with distinction and embodied the values of compassion, service, and dedication. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those who served alongside her during this incredibly difficult time.”
The incident also reignites broader conversations about mental health and wellness in law enforcement — a profession known for its high stress, emotional toll, and increasing mental health risks. Advocates are once again calling for strengthened mental health support systems within police departments, emphasizing the need for accessible counseling, peer support, and early intervention programs.
Torres’s death is the latest in a troubling pattern of suicides among law enforcement officers in recent years, a crisis that departments across the nation continue to grapple with. In Chicago, several officer suicides over the past decade have prompted the city and department leadership to commit to improving wellness initiatives.
As her loved ones and colleagues prepare to lay her to rest, Officer Malissa Torres is remembered not only for her service to the city, but also for her kindness, resilience, and the countless lives she impacted during her career.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
The Chicago Police Department also encourages any member of the force in need of support to reach out to the department’s Peer Support Program or Employee Assistance Program at any time.