Detective Sergeant William J. Russell

William J. Russell

Detective Sergeant William Russell was shot and killed, and another officer was wounded, by a man they followed into a saloon at the intersection of Fifth Avenue (modern day Wells Street) and Randolph Street who they believed was carrying concealed weapons.

The suspect produced two pistols and fired on the officers as they approached him. Sergeant Russell was killed instantly. The other officer returned fire critically wounded the subject as he ran out the door. Officers working to maintain order in a nearby union hall heard the shots, rushed to the scene, and found the unconscious suspect several yards from the saloon.

Sergeant Russell was survived by his wife, father, two brothers, and one sister.