Winnetka Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Thursday, May 23, 1957
Age: 31
Tour of Duty: 7 years
Badge Number: 4
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 23, 1957
Weapon Used: Handgun; .38 caliber
Suspect Info: Committed suicide
Patrol Officer Robert Burke was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious person near the intersection of Green Bay and Church roads.
Officer Burke was on patrol, at about 9:30 pm, when he observed the man standing on the side of the road with a suitcase. He parked his patrol car and exited the vehicle. He took about three steps from the vehicle when the man suddenly produced a revolver and fired four rounds, striking Officer Burke once in the chest. Officer Burke was able to return fire with one shot but did not strike the suspect.
As Officer Burke lay on the ground, the suspect approached him and then pointed his gun at a witness. The suspect then walked across the street and committed suicide. No motive has ever been identified into why the suspect shot Officer Burke. The man was identified through fingerprints but had no criminal record.
Officer Burke had served with the Winnetka Police Department for five years and had previously served with the Evanston Police Department for two years. He was survived by his wife.