Des Plaines Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Thursday, August 28, 1952
Add to My HeroesHarry M. Bending, Jr.
Officer Harry Bending was shot and killed after responding to a report of four suspicious men at a finance company at Ellinwood and Center streets.
Prior to Officer Bending's arrival the four men produced guns and were robbing the store. One of the suspects, who was stationed at the front door, notified the other suspects. As Officer Bending approached the top of the stairs one man opened fire, striking him in the shoulder and twice in the head. Although mortally wounded, Officer Bending was able to return fire before the three fled in a stolen car driven by a fifth man. The car was found abandoned two miles from the scene. A traffic citation found inside the car led to the arrest of all five, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26, the same day. All were connected to a recent robbery of a finance company in Crown Point, Indiana, and several hold-ups earlier in Chicago.
One suspect, the oldest, who admitted he killed Officer Bending, was sentenced to 60 years. Two others were sentenced to 30 years each. One was sentenced to 22 years.
Officer Bending had served with the Des Plaines Police Department for six years. He was survived by his wife and son. He was a World War II navy veteran. In 1970 his nephew became an officer with the Des Plaines Police Department.
Bio
- Age 30
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 161
- Military Veteran
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Gun; Unknown type
- Offender Sentenced to 60 years
Most Recent Reflection
View all 14 ReflectionsRest in peace Officer Bending.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 24, 2021
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Sean Sluganski
McKeesport Police Department, PA
EOW: February 6, 2023

Criminal Investigator Steven A. Carnes
Tom Green County District Attorney's Office, TX
EOW: November 13, 2022

Police Officer Gonzalo Carrasco, Jr.
Selma Police Department, CA
EOW: January 31, 2023

Master Patrol Officer Clarence L. "CJ" Williams
Cairo Police Department, GA
EOW: January 28, 2023

Supervisory Officer Jacqueline Montanaro
United States Department of Homeland Security - Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations, US
EOW: January 14, 2023

Police Officer Carl Douglas Kimball
St. Francisville Police Department, LA
EOW: January 12, 2023

Deputy Sheriff Darnell Calhoun
Riverside County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: January 13, 2023

Court Services Officer Curtis Matthew Worland
Alaska State Troopers, AK
EOW: December 13, 2022

Chief of Police Justin McIntire
Brackenridge Borough Police Department, PA
EOW: January 2, 2023