Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, May 8, 1953
Age: 54
Tour of Duty: 24 years
Badge Number: 5702
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 7, 1953
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Detective Charles C. Kraatz was killed as he and another officer investigated reports of an armed subject in the hallways of an apartment building at the intersection of E. 36th Place and S. Ellis Avenue.
When they arrived on the scene Detective Kraatz commanded the subject to drop his weapon and then walked toward him. The subject began shooting, striking Detective Kraatz in the right shoulder, hip, and stomach.
Other officers returned fire and killed the assailant. Records later showed the gunman was on probation for carrying a concealed weapon.
Detective Kraatz was transported to Michael Reese Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds the following day.
Detective Kraatz had served with the Chicago Police Department for 24 years.