Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch: Friday, October 11, 1974
Age: 29
Tour of Duty: 6 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 11, 1974
Weapon Used: Rifle
Suspect Info: Apprehended
Special Agent Richard Saba was shot and killed while conducting surveillance in East St. Louis, Illinois.
A stakeout of suspected boxcar burglars along the tracks on South 17th Street was being conducting by eight railroad detectives. At 10:15 pm, as Special Agent Saba reported on his radio that he had spotted a group of suspects near the idling freight train, the other detectives heard a gunshot. Special Agent Saba was found, shot in the head, and pronounced dead at the scene.
One 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody and four other men were held for questioning.
Special Agent Saba had served with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department for six years.