Patrolman William A. O'Connor

Patrolman William A. O'Connor

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, June 4, 1928

Add to My Heroes

William A. O'Connor

Patrolman William A. O'Connor was shot and mortally wounded when he walked in on three men robbing a soft drink parlor at 7135 South Halsted Street.

In an exchange of gunfire Patrolman O'Connor was hit once in the head. He died the next day at Englewood Hospital.

The three suspects, ages 21,21, and 22 were arrested 12 days later. They were found to be responsible for over two dozen other robberies. All three were convicted of Patrolman O'Connor's murder. Two were sentenced to 50 years in prison on August 9th, 1928, and the other to 20 years. The shooter was returned to court two months later to testify in other matters. He managed to slip out of a room he was being held in and escape. He was captured three years later in Las Vegas, New Mexico. The man sentenced to 50 years was paroled in 1950.

Patrolman O'Connor was survived by his wife, mother, and five brothers. Four of his brothers are police officers. He served 18 months in France during World War I.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 9 years
  • Badge 3470
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Sunday, June 3, 1928
  • Weapon Handgun; Revolver
  • Offender Sentenced to 50 years

robbery

Most Recent Reflection

View all 10 Reflections

Patrolman O'Connor, rest in peace.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

September 5, 2022

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.