Patrolman William F. Penney

William F. Penney

Patrolman William Penney was fatally shot outside of a tavern at 722 S. Halsted Street as he conducted an investigation.

While conducting an investigation, Officer Penney was attacked by a group of men. The offenders fled after the attack. When Patrolman Penney returned later to search for his attackers, he was fatally shot by one of the tavern owners with a shotgun. Another man with Officer Penney was also killed.

The suspect was never captured.

Patrolman Penney was a United States Army WWI veteran and served with the Chicago Police Department for over 12 years. He was survived by his expectant wife, two sons, and a daughter. His third son was born three months after his death.