Chief of Detectives Phillip Reitz, Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

Chief of Detectives Phillip Reitz

Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Police Department, Railroad Police

End of Watch Monday, August 7, 1922

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Phillip Reitz

Chief of Detectives Phillip Reitz was shot and killed after responding to a call of a citizen who feared for his life during a labor unrest.

At about 4:30 am, a non-striking railroad shop foreman was being threatened by 500 striking workers who had surrounded his house on the 600 block of Garnsey Avenue in Joliet. When officers arrived, the railroad workers fatally shot Chief Reitz in the heart, killing him instantly.

The striker who allegedly shot Chief Reitz was shot and killed by the Will County Sheriff, who was also wounded in the head and leg.

Bio

Age Not available
Tour Not available
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Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Location Illinois
Weapon Gun; Unknown type
Offender Shot and killed

strike, civil unrest

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Chief Reitz,
On today, the 100th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 7, 2022