Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Saturday, October 4, 1986
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 18 years
Badge Number: 3429
Cause of Death: Gunfire (Inadvertent)
Date of Incident: October 4, 1986
Weapon Used: Officer's handgun
Suspect Info: Sentenced to 20 years
Police Officer Jay Brunkella was shot and killed during a narcotics arrest near the Stephen F. Gale Elementary School at 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace.
Officer Brunkella and fellow narcotics officers were stationed at the grammar school in response to complaints about drug sales that occurred there. The officers observed a drug deal and they attempted to take one of the suspects into custody. One of the officers caught the suspect and fell to the ground during the ensuing struggle. The officer's service weapon discharged when they fell to the ground and the round struck Officer Brunkella.
He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
The man was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Officer Brunkella had served with the Chicago Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife, daughter, mother, and brother.