Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, December 20, 1957
Age: 49
Tour of Duty: 22 years
Badge Number: 7214
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: December 20, 1957
Weapon Used: Rifle; .22 caliber
Suspect Info: Killed
Detective Barney Halperin was killed in an exchange of gunfire with an armed robbery suspect.
He had just finished his shift at the Wabash Station at 8:00 am and was visiting a friend when a citizen ran in and told him of an armed robbery in progress at 116 East 43rd Street.
Other off-duty officers nearby were also hearing about the armed robbery and arrived at the restaurant the same time Detective Halperin did. Detective Halperin secured the front entrance as the other officers covered the sides and rear.
The gunman realized police were outside and exited the establishment shooting. Detective Halperin was struck in the head but still managed to wound his assailant, who then shot him two more times. The subject was able to make it to his vehicle when four other police officers converged upon him, all firing. He returned fire, slumped over the wheel, and died at the scene.
Detective Halperin had served with the Chicago Police Department for 22 years. He is survived by his wife.