Patrolman Leon T. Czajka

Patrolman Leon T. Czajka

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Saturday, January 21, 1939

Add to My Heroes

Leon 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

foot pursuit, stolen vehicle

Most Recent Reflection

View all 13 Reflections

Rest in peace Patrolman Czajka.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

January 21, 2020

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.