What happened to LaRoyce Hawkins' Kevin Atwater on Chicago PD?

Detective Kevin Atwater – the explosive detective portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins in Chicago PD – remains a fan favorite of One Chicago as one of the OG members of the Intelligence Unit.

We've been stealing hearts and kicking criminal asses since Season 1 of P.DAtwater brings boundless passion and valuable skills to the team. Through P.DDuring his 12-year tenure, Atwater's character has evolved significantly as he continues to demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his job and the Chicago community he serves. From fighting corrupt criminals to tackling systemic problems within the CPD, Atwater is always guided by his strong moral compass and unwavering willingness to stand up for what is right. Atwater has evolved from a capable team member into a trusted and respected pillar of the intelligence unit, leaving an indelible mark on the One Chicago franchise.

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Because of his integrity, his resilience and, let's face it, his striking good looks, Chi-Hards will never tire of watching Atwater thrive, so we're looking back at some of his highlights.

Kevin Atwater's rocky family life

One of the reasons Atwater became a police officer in the first place was his troubling childhood. When Atwater was a child, his father Lew (Erik LaRay Harvey) was arrested after a robbery and quickly imprisoned. A few years after his father's incarceration, Atwater's mother died, leaving Atwater to raise his two younger siblings, Vinessa (Bobbi MacKenzie) and Jordan (Kylen Davis).

Atwater resented his behavior and his refusal to accept visits from Atwater growing up, which further deepened their estrangement. Atwater's frustration with his father's incarceration led him to stay out of trouble and eventually join law enforcement to help others avoid his father's fate.

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Atwater was the legal guardian of his two siblings for most of their lives, which led to several pop-ins from his brother and sister in the early seasons of P.D However, after Jordan witnessed a crime in Season 5, Episode 4 (“Snitch”), Atwater was dismayed to learn that members of his neighborhood were harassing his brother to prevent him from testifying by causing problems for their sister Vinessa . Atwater wasted no time when it came to protecting his siblings, and in order to protect Jordan and Vinessa, he decided to move his siblings to Texas to live with his aunt in Season 5, Episode 5 (“Home”) could. ). It was a difficult task for Atwater, but he was not willing to take risks.

“At the end of the day, Sarge, if anything happens to these kids, I won't forgive myself,” Atwater told Voight through tears. “So I made the best decision for her anyway. For the family.”

Kevin Atwater's reunion with his estranged father

Atwater finally reconnected with his father in Season 10, Episode 11 (“Long Lost”) after he found out that Lew had been released from prison and was living in a halfway house. Eventually, Atwater confronted his father about his absence, only to learn that Lew had separated his family to preserve the joyful memories they had cherished. Atwater was infinitely gracious and offered his father an apartment in the apartment building he owns so he could get back on his feet. In Season 11, Episode 5 (“Split Second”), Atwater defeated a gang leader with the help of his father.

(Some of) Kevin Atwater's most dangerous moments continue P.D

Operating the intelligence unit can be a stressful gig, and it is PDs In the most intense moments, officers come under fire. No one likes it when Atwater gets hurt, but the dedicated intelligence unit member has often found himself in harm's way. He suffered one of his first setbacks in Season 2, Episode 6 (“Prison Ball”) when he went undercover in a prison to investigate a prisoner suspected of killing a young girl the same age as Atwater's sister .

Atwater was able to approach the suspect, but after another prisoner recognized Atwater as a police officer, he got into a three-way fight. But like the true badass he is, Atwater managed to defeat the three men. By coaxing a confession from the suspect, Atwater managed to close the case despite the harrowing ordeal.

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Later in the series, Atwater was filmed in Season 6, Episode 11 (“Trust”). Everything fell apart after a young boy tried to help Atwater find a perpetrator when a passing gunman rushed towards them and shot the boy. Atwater rushed into action and pursued the car, but was shot in the shoulder during the adrenaline-fueled chase.

Watch Season 12 Chicago PD Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC. Stream next-day episodes on Peacock.