Chicago P.D. Season 14 Shocker: Original Star LaRoyce Hawkins Reportedly Exits Early—What It Means for Intelligence

For more than a decade, Chicago P.D. has stood as one of NBC’s most successful crime dramas, delivering intense investigations, emotional character arcs, and unforgettable twists. Since premiering in 2014, the series has grown into a cornerstone of the One Chicago universe, captivating millions of viewers across 13 seasons. Now, as anticipation reaches a fever pitch for Season 14 this fall, fans are preparing for another thrilling chapter—but a heartbreaking shake-up behind the scenes could change the show forever.

According to reports, the new season is expected to welcome back many of the familiar faces that have defined the Intelligence Unit for years. Jason Beghe is set to return as the relentless Hank Voight, while Marina Squerciati reprises her role as Kim Burgess following her emotional wedding to Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick Flueger. Amy Morton will once again bring her signature wit as desk sergeant Trudy Platt, with Benjamin Levy Aguilar returning as Dante Torres and Arienne Mandi continuing her storyline as Eva Imani. On paper, Season 14 appears ready to build on the momentum of last year’s dramatic finale.

However, one shocking report has overshadowed all the excitement.

Original cast member LaRoyce Hawkins, who has portrayed Officer Kevin Atwater since the very first episode, is reportedly set to leave the series as a regular early in Season 14. If the reports prove accurate, it would mark one of the biggest cast departures in the history of Chicago P.D. and bring an end to one of the show’s longest-running character journeys.

Atwater has never been just another detective. Throughout 13 seasons, Hawkins transformed the character into the emotional conscience of the Intelligence Unit. Whether confronting corruption within law enforcement, navigating difficult relationships, or standing up for justice even when it put his own career at risk, Atwater consistently represented the moral heart of the team. His storylines tackling racism, police accountability, and personal sacrifice became some of the most critically praised episodes of the series.

His reported departure raises countless questions about the future of the Intelligence Unit. Who will fill the leadership void left by Atwater? Will Voight struggle even more without one of his most trusted officers? And perhaps most importantly, how will longtime fans react to saying goodbye to a character who has been there since day one?

The timing is especially surprising because Chicago P.D. appears to be entering another creative high point. With Burgess and Ruzek finally beginning married life, Torres continuing to evolve as a detective, and new dynamics developing within the unit, Season 14 seemed poised to deliver one of its strongest years yet. Losing such a beloved veteran could dramatically alter the chemistry that has helped keep the series successful for over a decade. 

Of course, NBC has not yet revealed exactly how Atwater’s story could conclude. Whether he receives a heroic farewell, accepts a promotion elsewhere, or exits under more tragic circumstances remains one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the upcoming season. Whatever happens, fans are already bracing themselves for an emotional goodbye that could rank among the most unforgettable moments in Chicago P.D. history.

As the countdown to Season 14 continues, one thing is certain: the Intelligence Unit may never be the same again. If Kevin Atwater truly walks away, it won’t simply be another cast change—it will mark the end of an era for one of television’s most beloved police dramas.