Patrolman Thomas J. Clark

Thomas J. Clark

Patrolman Thomas J. Clark was shot and killed as he investigated a suspicious vehicle.

Patrolman Clark was assigned to patrol an area near a factory that was experiencing labor problems and recently had been bombed. He noticed three suspicious men in an automobile parked nearby and went to investigate. As Patrolman Clark approached the vehicle, the men opened fire, killing him.

It is believed that the same three gunmen murdered Acting Lieutenant Terrence Lyons, of the West Park District Police Department, 30 minutes later as Sergeant Lyons investigated their suspicious activities in the park.

Ultimately, seven suspects were indicted but not prosecuted; an additional eight suspects were then indicted, two of whom were not prosecuted. Of the six that were prosecuted, two were acquited, one was sentenced to 14 years in Joliet prison and one was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Patrolman Clark served with the 16th precinct and is buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Hillside, Illinois.