Patrolman John J. Sweeney

John J. Sweeney

Patrolman John J. Sweeney of the Racine Avenue Station was found dead in an alley between Noble and Ross, just off Chicago Avenue, with a bullet through the heart.

Policemen were sent to the area to investigate burglaries and heard a succession of shots. They immediately found Officer Sweeney but no suspects. The suspect was later caught and convicted. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison and died while still incarcerated in 1957.

Officer Sweeney, a WWI Army veteran, was married. He was the father of three sons and a daughter. He was a 10-year veteran of the department.