Illinois Central Railroad Police Department, Railroad Police
End of Watch Tuesday, February 17, 1931
Add to My HeroesChristopher O. McClure
Special Agent Christopher McClure was shot and killed at 9:15 pm while investigating a group of three suspicious men near the Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, rail yards.
He and another agent were on a special detail to ride a freight train from Springfield to Mt. Pulaski to try to catch a ring of freight car thieves who had been breaking into trains in the Mt. Pulaski yards. As the train approached the yards the agents saw three men huddled around a fire next to the railroad right of way. The agents jumped off the train and circled around.
The other agent remained hidden in a nearby cornfield as Agent McClure called out to the suspects. The suspect approached him and as he squatted down, Agent McClure shined his light on the suspect and asked what was in his hand. The man immediately opened fire with a .32-caliber handgun, striking Agent McClure in the heart. Both agents returned fire, striking the suspect five times. Agent McClure succumbed to his wound at the scene. The suspect died the next day.
Agent McClure had served with the Illinois Central Railroad Police Department for only one month, but had been employed with the railroad for eight years. He was survived by his wife and three children.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 1 month
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Location Illinois
- Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
- Offender Shot and killed
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsAgent McClure,
On today, the 90th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
USBP
Anonymous
United States Border Patrol
February 17, 2021
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