Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Saturday, January 21, 1939
Add to My HeroesLeon T. Czajka
Patrolman Leon Czajka suffered a fatal cerebral hemorrhage following a foot pursuit of two car thief suspects.
The two men had been pursued by another policeman who had commandeered a taxi cab, but the cab became stuck in traffic and was unable to pursue them further.
The pursuing policeman called to Patrolman Czajka, who then took up the chase by commandeering a car at the intersection of Dearborn Street and Monroe Street. Patrolman Czajka began pursuing the suspects on foot when they abandoned their vehicle at Wells Street and apprehended them a few blocks away.
He collapsed as he covered the two suspects with his pistol drawn at the intersection of Market Street (modern-day S. Wacker Drive) and W. Adams Street. The two men attempted to flee the area but were stopped and held by a police department applicant who witnessed Patrolman Czajka collapse.
Patrolman Czajka had served with the Chicago Police Department for 18 years. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 44
- Tour 18 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Duty related illness
- Weapon Not available
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 13 ReflectionsRest in peace Patrolman Czajka.
Rabbi Lewis S. Davis
January 21, 2020
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