Downers Grove Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Monday, March 18, 1974
Age: 25
Tour of Duty: 2 years
Badge Number: 11
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: March 18, 1974
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Released in 2003
Officer Richard Barth was shot and killed by a 15-year-old suspect while questioning him and another youth about suspicious activity in a park.
Unbeknownst to Officer Barth, the two boys had just committed a burglary and were going through the stolen items when Officer Barth interrupted them.
The suspect who shot Officer Barth was convicted of murder and sentenced to 50 to 100 years in prison. He was released in 2003.
Officer Barth had served with the Downers Grove Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.