Rockford Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Thursday, June 1, 1972
Age: 28
Tour of Duty: 2 years, 6 months
Badge Number: 187
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: June 1, 1972
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 100 to 150 years
Patrol Officer Charles Williams was shot and killed as he and his partner attempted to stop a suspect wanted for armed robbery.
As the suspect began walking away from Officer Williams, he began firing, striking Officer Williams in the head. Officer Williams' partner returned fire at the suspect as he fled on foot from the scene. The suspect was later apprehended.
The 22-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 100 to 150 years in prison.
Officer Williams had served with the Rockford Police Department for 2-½ years. He was survived by his wife, a two year old, and another child six months old. He was a Vietnam War Veteran.