Chicago P.D. Star LaRoyce Hawkins Discusses Atwater's Surprise Fatherhood

The actor talks about the emotional impact of his character becoming a dad and how it will affect his work as a police officer.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 9:31am

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In the latest episode of Chicago P.D., Officer Kevin Atwater, played by LaRoyce Hawkins, receives the surprise news that his ex-girlfriend Tasha Fox is pregnant. Hawkins discussed the development on the One Chicago Podcast, sharing his excitement and nervousness about how fatherhood will change Atwater's perspective on his dangerous job. The actor revealed details about the heartfelt text message Atwater sent to Tasha that led to her returning and breaking the news.

Why it matters

This storyline represents a significant turning point for the Atwater character, who has previously been focused on his police work. Becoming a father will likely add new emotional layers and considerations as he navigates his high-stakes career. Fans are eager to see how this development will impact Atwater's decision-making and relationships going forward.

The details

In the January 28 episode, Atwater spent time crafting a poetic text message to Tasha, his love interest from earlier in the season who had moved to Miami. Tasha then unexpectedly showed up at Atwater's place, revealing she is pregnant and wants to have the baby whether or not Atwater is involved. Hawkins described the text as Atwater trying to get Tasha to come back, with lines like "From the heart to the first responder" and "Is there a manual for meeting moments?"

  • The January 28 episode of Chicago P.D. featured the surprise pregnancy reveal.
  • Hawkins discussed the storyline on the January 29 episode of the One Chicago Podcast.

The players

Kevin Atwater

A police officer on the Chicago P.D. team, played by actor LaRoyce Hawkins.

Tasha Fox

Atwater's ex-girlfriend, who reveals she is pregnant with his child.

LaRoyce Hawkins

The actor who portrays Officer Atwater on the show.

Chad Saxton

An executive producer on Chicago P.D. who is helping Hawkins navigate how Atwater's fatherhood will impact his police work.

Brian Luce

A former Chicago police officer who is a producer and technical consultant on Chicago P.D.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very excited. I was like, 'Chad [Saxton, executive producer], there's a difference between a guy that's solving crimes and saving lives and a guy that's solving crimes and saving lives and he's about to be a father soon. Chad is helping me navigate through the small things that I can think about that help.”

— LaRoyce Hawkins, Actor (One Chicago Podcast)

“There's a nature to being a father on crime shows where you hope everything works out. You know, I'm optimistic about everything working out. And you know, it's hard to say. It's not that up to me, but it's just like fatherhood. It's like, you don't know what you're gonna get.”

— LaRoyce Hawkins, Actor (One Chicago Podcast)

What’s next

Fans will have to tune in to see how Atwater reacts to the pregnancy news and how it impacts his work as a police officer going forward.

The takeaway

This storyline represents a significant personal and professional turning point for the Atwater character, adding new emotional layers as he navigates the responsibilities of fatherhood alongside his dangerous job. Viewers are eager to see how this development will shape Atwater's decision-making and relationships in the episodes ahead.