Police Officer Curtis R. Baker

Curtis R. Baker

Officer Curtis R. Baker was shot to death during an armed robbery at approximately 1:30 a.m. by a gunman who opened fire in the fourth floor stairwell of the Robert Taylor Homes at 4500 South State Street.

Officer Baker was escorting a tenant into the building. Three men trailed them when one shouted “stickup”. Baker attempted to draw his service revolver, however, one of the assailants opened fire, fatally striking him once in the left side of the chest before he could fire his pistol.

Officer Baker was pronounced dead at 2:00 a.m. at Michael Reese Hospital. Officer Baker was a 16-year veteran of the department who was a tactical officer assigned to the police mass transit unit. His wife, son and daughter survive him.