Police Officer Claude J. Profili

Claude J. Profili

Officer Profili was shot and killed after he responded to a call of a bank alarm to a bank that had been known for numerous false hold-up alarms in the past. Officer Profili approached the bank, which had two sets of double doors in the front with his weapon drawn. As Officer Profili entered the first set of double doors, the suspect opened the second set of double doors and fired one shot into the officer’s forehead above the left eye. Officer Profili then fell backward down the steps and into the street.

The four suspects fled the scene with $23,466. One was apprehended within 48 hours. The other three were apprehended several days later by FBI agents. One was captured in Las Vegas, Nevada, another in Ozark, Arkansas, and the third in Denver, Colorado. Officer Profili was rushed to the hospital where he died eight days later from his wound.

Three suspects were convicted of Officer Profili's murder and sentenced to life on July 2, 1964.

Officer Profili had been with the agency for 12 years and was survived by his wife and two children.