Patrolman William P. Rumbler

William P. Rumbler

Policeman William Rumbler, of the East Chicago Avenue Station, was shot to death in a battle with three holdup men.

Rumbler was off duty, visiting a friend; the owner of a soft drink parlor at 3174 Milwaukee Avenue. A man entered the establishment and asked for an individual. The storeowner replied that no such person was there. At that time, two additional men entered and ordered Rumbler, the storeowner and two porters to put their hands up. Everyone complied until one of the gunman started to search Rumbler. The policeman suddenly drew his gun and opened fire. All three bandits returned fire, piercing his body with eleven bullets. Rumbler was taken to Belmont Hospital where he died a few minutes after his arrival.

Two of the suspects were convicted of Policeman Rumbler's murder and sentenced to 60 years each on May 22, 1931. One was paroled on February 26, 1955. His sentence was reduced for participating in malaria treatment experiments during World War II. He was arrested five years later for possession of burglary tools. The third suspect escaped, and three additional suspects were indicted, but discharged.

His wife survives policeman William Rumbler, a 19-year veteran of the department.