Bio & Incident Details
Age: 44
Tour: Not available
Badge # 6347
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 9/22/1934
Weapon: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect: Shot and killed
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Patrolman Louis Furst died in Englewood hospital from five bullet wounds incurred when he answered a robbery in progress call.
Policeman Furst was slain when he attempted to stop the gunman, an escaped convict from Jefferson City, Missouri penitentiary, as he fled from the H J Coleman real estate office at 6857 S. State Street. The gunman entered the office under the guise of being interested in an apartment. When all customers left, he displayed a nickel plated revolver and pointed it at the manager and the clerk. The gunman ordered them against the wall and rifled the cash drawer, taking about $200. Witnesses in an adjacent business rushed to 59th and State to notify Policeman Furst, where he was on traffic duty. Pistol in hand, Furst ran to the real estate office. Seeing the policeman, the gunman placed his foot against the bottom of the glass door and both fired. Furst’s one shot missed his assailant but he was struck in the head. His killer then fired four more shots into his body, turned and ran.
Two policemen patrolling the area, and an off duty Wabash Avenue policeman heard the shots and saw the gunman fleeing. They all gave chase. A detective bureau squad also joined in the pursuit.
The gunman sought refuge in a second floor apartment at 5821 Grove Street. He told the occupant he was hiding from his wife. He rushed in and hid in a pantry. Two of the policemen ran up the front steps while two others went to the rear. He was visible through a window opening on the rear porch.
When ordered to surrender, the gunman replied with a burst of gunfire. All four policeman returned fire, fatally wounding him.
Policeman Louis Furst is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter.
