Illinois Department of Central Management Services Police, Illinois
End of Watch: Tuesday, January 21, 1986
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 1 year
Badge Number: 46
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 21, 1986
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Sentenced to life
Police Officer Nelson Smith was shot and killed during an armed robbery while off duty in Chicago at approximately 9:10 pm.
Three subjects had just attempted an armed robbery in front of 61 East 29th Street when one of the suspects went to a nearby bus stop planning to commit another armed robbery. As Officer Smith exited a bus, the suspect approached him from behind and placed a gun in his back. When the suspect discovered Officer Smith's badge he fatally shot him in the back, stole his service weapon, and fled.
The suspect was apprehended, later convicted of murder, and sentenced to life in prison.
Officer Smith had served with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services Police for one year and was assigned to the State of Illinois Center in Chicago. He had previously served with the Oak Forest Hospital Police Department. He was survived by his mother.