Patrolman William F. Messanger
Chicago Police Department
Illinois
End of Watch: Thursday, April 25, 1901

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: 71

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: Wednesday, April 24, 1901
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Shot and killed

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.