East St. Louis Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Sunday, February 24, 1924
Age: 45
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 24, 1924
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Detective Joseph Friesz was shot and killed after arresting a robbery suspect.
He and another officer had located the man driving a stolen car. After searching the man and the car Detective Friesz ordered the man to drive it back to the station as the detective rode with him.
When the men arrived at the police headquarters the suspect produced a weapon he had hidden in a seat cushion. During the ensuing struggle Detective Friesz was shot twice. Despite being mortally wounded he was able to gain control of the weapon and shot the suspect twice, killing him.
Detective Friesz was survived by his wife.