Park Police Officer Richard E. Pegue

Park Police Officer Richard E. Pegue

Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Wednesday, July 3, 1946

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Richard E. Pegue

Park Police Officer Richard E. Pegue was shot and killed with his own service weapon while transporting two prisoners he had just arrested.

Officer Pegue arrested the man, as well as a woman who was attempting to obstruct the arrest, at the boathouse at Washington Park. The man matched the description of a suspect involved in a rape at the same location three days earlier.

Officer Pogue commandeered a passing truck and placed both subjects inside as he stood on the running board. As the truck drove to the Wabash Avenue Station the female prisoner hit him with a bottle in front of 437 E. 60th Street. The male prisoner then grabbed possession of Officer Pegue's revolver and shot him in the chest.

Both subjects fled after shooting Officer Pegue.

Officer Pegue was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and recipient of five battle stars. He had served with the Chicago Park District Police Department as a temporary patrolman for five months. He is survived by his wife, son, and parents.

Bio

  • Age 25
  • Tour 5 months
  • Badge 371
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Officer's handgun
  • Offender Not available

sex offense, transport

Most Recent Reflection

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Officer Pegue,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served during WW II-especially at Normandy, France in 1944. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

July 3, 2021

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