Patrolman Osbourne Sims

Osbourne Sims

Patrolman Osbourne Sims was killed by a gunman at 1445 W. Lexington Street.

He and his partner were investigating a burglary at 1337 W. Flournoy Street when they noticed a suspicious person duck into an areaway. The officers split up to enter the building from opposite directions in an attempt to trap the suspect. Patrolman Sims was shot in the chest and died at the scene. His partner radioed for help and several backup officers responded within minutes.

The gunman was spotted crouching in the basement of the building. Tear gas bombs were shot into the cellar, followed by 60 rounds of bullets. The gunman was ordered to surrender and responded by shooting at the officers. Detective returned fire and killed the man.

Patrolman Sims was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was survived by his wife and four children.