Officer Down Memorial Page - http://www.odmp.org

Detective Sergeant James L. Hosna | Chicago Police Department, Illinois
Chicago Police Department, Illinois

Detective Sergeant

James L. Hosna

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch: Thursday, February 6, 1919

Biographical Info

Age: 37
Tour of Duty: 11 years
Badge Number: 324

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: February 5, 1919
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Acquitted

Detective Sergeant James L. Hosna was shot and killed during an armed robbery investigation in the 1400 block of South Halsted Avenue. Sergeant Hosna observed the wanted armed robber enter a drinking establishment and confronted him. The gunman fired three shots before Sergeant Hosna had time to draw his revolver. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the hospital the next day.

The suspect, a notorious gangster, claimed self defense and was acquitted of murder. Later he served a sentence for armed robbery and then went on to work for Al Capone.

Sergeant Hosna had served with the Chicago Police Department for 11 years. He was survived by his wife and two children.