East Moline Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Saturday, May 24, 1969
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: May 24, 1969
Weapon Used: Handgun; .32 caliber
Suspect Info: Shot and killed
Patrolman Richard Morton was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a report of an elderly man threatening children with a BB gun at 1352 10th Avenue. in
When the officers arrived, they attempted to have the man surrender the BB gun, but the man suddenly produced a .32-caliber revolver from his pocket and opened fire. Patrolman Morton was struck in the chest during the exchange of gunfire but was able to return fire, along with his partner, and killed the suspect.
Patrolman Morton was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound during surgery several hours later.
Patrolman Morton had served with the East Moline Police Department for four years. He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and a sister.