Patrolman John Skopek

John Skopek

Patrolman John Skopek and Patrolman Elmer Ostling were shot and killed when they made a traffic stop of a speeding car on Washington Boulevard. Unbeknownst to both officers, the vehicle they had stopped had been stolen 3 weeks earlier and was being used in the commission of crimes.

Both officers approached the car on the passenger side and asked the the occupants to exit the vehicle. The men stepped out and immediately produced revolvers and opened fire. Both officers were shot several times and were only able to return fire one time each. Patrolman Skopek was killed instantly. Patrolman Ostling was taken Franklin Boulevard Hospital where he died a short time later.

The identity of the suspects remained a mystery until October 10, 1937, when a captured escapee from the Illinois Penitentiary confessed to the murders. He named two accomplices, one who escaped with him who was shot and killed during the capture. The other suspect was apprehended and also confessed to the murders. Both suspects were convicted of murder and sentenced to 199 years in prison.

Patrolman Skopek was survived by his wife and son.