Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Monday, August 17, 1914
Age: 37
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: 899
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: August 17, 1914
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Died in prison
Patrolman George Trumbull was shot to death during an arrest attempt.
Policeman Trumbull was walking his beat in the early morning hours at South State and Twenty-sixth streets. It is believed that Patrolman Trumball attempted to arrest several persons who had congregated on the corner in an area the police had been raiding at frequent intervals the previous year. A young boy is believed to have been the only witness to the shooting besides those who took part in it, stating that he saw several men pass the policeman and then saw Patrolman Trumbull run after them. Three men darted across toward the policeman from the other side of the street and Trumbull drew his revolver. A fusillade of shots followed. Patrolman Trumbull was killed before he could use his weapon, which was found fully loaded beside his body. He had been wounded in four places, one of the bullets having entered close to his heart.
Officer Trumbull's killer was eventually arrested and held by the Coroner. On November 27, 1914, he was sentenced to life in Joliet Penitentiary and died there on October 5, 1917.
Officer Trumbull had served in the 38th precinct.