Special Agent Richard Joseph Saba

Richard Joseph Saba

Special Agent Richard Saba was shot and killed while conducting surveillance in East St. Louis, Illinois.

A stakeout of suspected boxcar burglars along the tracks on South 17th Street was being conducting by eight railroad detectives. At 10:15 pm, as Special Agent Saba reported on his radio that he had spotted a group of suspects near the idling freight train, the other detectives heard a gunshot. Special Agent Saba was found, shot in the head, and pronounced dead at the scene.

One 20-year-old suspect was taken into custody and four other men were held for questioning.

Special Agent Saba had served with the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad Police Department for six years.