Patrolman John W. Quirk

John W. Quirk

Patrolman John W. Quirk was shot three times by two gunmen at the intersection of N. Cleveland Avenue and W. Wisconsin Streets.

Patrolman Quirk was off duty on his first date with a young woman. One of their first stops that evening included a tour of the Shakespeare Avenue Station, 2131 N. California where he was assigned. Their second stop was a restaurant at 3801 W. Fullerton where they had a chance meeting with his partner and visited for some time.

He was driving an acquaintance home and pulled in front of 22 East Banks Street at approximately 2:30 am. The moment the vehicle came to a stop, two men jumped into the back of the car from each side with guns drawn. Patrolman Quirk was forced to drive in the area of the north side. While approaching the intersection of W. Wisconsin Avenue and N. Cleveland Avenue he intentionally crashed his vehicle into a street lamp. While drawing his service revolver, he fired into the rear of the vehicle. Patrolman Quirk used his body to shield his companion from the bullets as the shooting started. He was mortally wounded in the exchange. The young woman was able to identify the assailants.

After a city-wide manhunt, one gunman was immediately arrested. The second surrendered to the FBI and was turned over to Chicago Police Department homicide division.