Patrolman William A. O'Connor

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 on South Halstead 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 were arrested twelve days later. They were found to be responsible for over two dozen other robberies. All three were convicted of Patrolman O'Connor's murder and sentenced to 50 years in prison on August 9, 1928.

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.