Frankfort Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch: Friday, July 11, 1924
Age: 39
Tour of Duty: 2 months
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: July 11, 1924
Weapon Used: Gun; Unknown type
Suspect Info: Arrested in 1932
Constable Ernest Mueller was shot and killed while investigating a suspicious vehicle just east of Frankfort. Several youths had noticed the vehicle and notified Constable Mueller.
The constable and his son drove to the area and located the vehicle a short distance away. Constable Mueller stopped the vehicle and informed the driver that he would have to return to Frankfort for questioning. As Constable Mueller stepped onto the running board the occupant opened fire, killing him instantly.
Constable Mueller's son and the other youths took Constable Mueller to a local funeral home. The suspects were located several days later and were pursued a short distance. The male subject was able to flee on foot but the female subject was taken into custody. The male remained at large for eight years until being arrested in Toledo, Ohio, after becoming severely frozen while hitchhiking, resulting in the amputation of both of his feet. No charges were filed against the suspect in Illinois because of the amputation and the belief that his criminal career had ended.
Constable Mueller had served with the Frankfort Police Department for only two months. He was survived by his wife and two children.