Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, October 3, 1919
Age: 38
Tour of Duty: 12 years
Badge Number: 207
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: October 3, 1919
Weapon Used: Handgun
Suspect Info: Not available
Detective Sergeant George C. Burns and Detective Sergeant Bernard Lenehan were shot and killed during a holdup of a saloon on West Madison Street. The two officers had just entered the saloon when several minutes later two men entered with guns and announced a holdup. As Detective Sergeant Burns pulled his service weapon the men opened fire, striking him the abdomen. Detective Sergeant Lenehan was able to return fire.
Detective Sergeant Lenehan, who was shot three times, was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds two days later.
Several suspects were arrested including a former professional baseball player turned gangster. All were released due to a lack of evidence. Later officials narrowed the murders down to two men. One was never located. The other was shot and killed by Chicago officers on October 26, 1920, after he shot and killed Sergeant Edward W. Marpool of the Chicago Police.
Detective Sergeant Burns is survived by his wife and six children.