Bio & Incident Details
Age: 30
Tour: 6 years
Badge # 71
Cause: Gunfire
Incident Date: 4/24/1901
Weapon: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect: Shot and killed
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Patrolman William F. Messanger was shot and killed by a man whom he had argued with earlier in the day.
The gunman entered the Harrison Street Police Station and told Patrolman Messanger to take back what he had said earlier. When Patrolman Messenger told the man to leave the station, the attacker pulled out a revolver and started shooting, striking Patrolman Messanger in the chest and side.
Patrolman Messanger and another officer returned fire, wounding the gunman as he attempted to commit suicide. The gunman was taken into custody and died of his wounds the following day.
Patrolman Messanger was a U.S. Army veteran and had been with the Chicago Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife.
