Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Thursday, April 25, 1901
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 5 years
Badge Number: 71
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: April 24, 1901
Weapon Used: Handgun; Revolver
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman William F. Messenger was shot and killed by a man whom he had argued with earlier in the day.
The gunman entered the Harrison Street Police Station and told Patrolman Messenger to take back what he had said earlier. When Patrolman Messenger told the man to leave the station, the attacker pulled out a revolver and started shooting, striking Patrolman Messenger in the chest and side.
A second officer, James Scully, returned fire, wounding the gunman and knocking away his weapon as he attempted to commit suicide. The gunman was taken into custody and died of his wounds the following day.
Patrolman Messenger was taken to St. Luke's hospital where he died from his wounds the next day.
Patrolman Messenger was a U.S. Army veteran and had been with the Chicago Police Department for five years. He was survived by his wife.