Bio & Incident Details
Age: 27
Tour: 3 years
Badge # 3065
Cause: Vehicular assault
Incident Date: 11/10/1986
Weapon: Automobile
Suspect: Paroled in 2002
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Trooper John Kugelman was killed during a pursuit.
Hoffman Estates Police were attempting to stop a car speeding within their city limits. The driver fled, leading to a chase at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour. Trooper John Kugelman monitored the chase on the radio and positioned himself ahead of it. Trooper Kugelman stepped onto the road and pulled his service revolver in an attempt to deter the speeding car. The driver made no attempt to swerve or slow down. Trooper Kugelman was struck and tossed 20 feet into the air. The trooper was flown to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The driver was pulled over by a rolling roadblock approximately two miles from where Trooper Kugelman was struck. Officers then learned the 17-year old was wanted on a warrant for violating the terms of his temporary release from the Department of Corrections. He was tried on three counts of murder and one count of reckless homicide, and was sentenced to 32 years. After serving only only half of his sentence, Trooper Kugelman's killer was paroled in 2002.
Trooper Kugelman was a three year veteran of the Illinois State Police and was assigned to District 2 in Elgin. On July 30, 1987, the District 2 Headquarters in Elgin was rededicated in honor of Trooper Kugelman. After his death, Trooper Kugelman was promoted to Sergeant.
He is survived by his wife, parents, sister and nephew.
