Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, October 4, 1878
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 3 years, 9 months
Badge Number: 7
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 4, 1878
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Acquitted
Officer Albert Race was shot and killed in front of Frieberg's Pawnshop, located at 494 State Street.
Officer Race observed a horse-drawn wagon filled with expensive merchandise. Two suspicious men sat in the wagon. When Officer Race approached the men in order to question them, one of the men produced a revolver and fired one shot. Officer Race was struck and died shortly afterward.
His killer was arrested and sentenced to death by hanging. A new trial was granted and the offender was acquitted.
Officer Race served with the Chicago Police Department for less than four years. His body was returned to his hometown of Pittston, Pennsylvania, where he was buried with full police honors.