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Police Officer John W. Mathews | Chicago Police Department, Illinois Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Police Officer

John W. Mathews

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch: Saturday, May 21, 1988

Bio & Incident Details

Age: 26

Tour: 1 year, 6 months

Badge # 9827

Cause: Assault

Incident Date: 5/21/1988

Weapon: Blunt object

Suspect: Released from prison

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Officer John W. Mathews was attacked and killed by five assailants.

Officer Mathews was returning home and was attacked and killed by five assailants while investigating a drinking and drag racing party. He was off duty when he noticed several squad cars down the street. He went to assist the officers and cleared the scene. Later in the night he returned to the scene to check on it when five men came out of the woods and attacked him with several blunt objects.

The killers were arrested and convicted; all have since been released from prison.

Officer Mathews served the Chicago Police Department for 18 months. He is survived by his wife, three children, parents, three sisters and a brother.

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Where has the time gone? We were in the academy at the same time and I remember this incident like it was yesterday. Your dedication to duty, while off-duty, should serve as an inspiration to all young officers. Thank you.

Detective Thomas Downes
Chicago
May 22, 2012

 

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