Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Add to My HeroesRichard M. Francis
Police Officer Richard Francis was shot and killed with his service weapon as he struggled with a woman who grabbed his gun and shot him once.
He had responded to a disturbance at 2:00 a.m. and approached a woman near the Belmont Area (Area 3) Headquarters at 2452 W. Belmont Avenue. Backup officers responding to the shooting opened fire on the woman when she threatened them. She was critically wounded.
Officer Francis was transported to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 2:57 a.m.
On February 5th, 2014, the woman was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
Officer Francis served with the Chicago Police Department for 27 years and was assigned to the 019 District. He is survived by his wife and two stepdaughters.
Bio
- Age 60
- Tour 27 years
- Badge 5276
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Officer's handgun
- Offender Sentenced to life
Most Recent Reflection
View all 378 ReflectionsDearest Officer Richard Francis, my personal hero, I am so sorry she killed you with your own gun. I know you deescalated the situation and let me leave to go to the bathroom. I asked if I needed to come back and sign anything and you said no, I'm going let her call down and go home. I headed toward the gas station to use the bathroom and she bolted after me. You grabbed her and she she grabbed your Service Weapon. Simultaneously many Police Cars were all pulling toward the parked bus. I had been dancing around trying to avoid the lady screaming to call 911. Alot of people did. It turns out alot of people unfortunately witnessed your murder. I had left and ducked behind one of the unmarked care and didn't see it. I heard the shot. I popped up to peek and saw her turn the gun in my direction where many Chicago Police Officers were also. She shot in our direction. She was shot. I could not believe all this. I was cuffed until identified and the situation was sorted out. I was interviewed by an extremely competent Detective. The process went on. I always expressed my gratitude for Officer Richard Francis. A true Policeman. I am so sorry this happened to him. He tried to create a peaceful situation. I did not know Robin Johnson. She is truly evil. My life has beenvery difficult since. I think of Officer Francis, his fellow officers, his wife, step daughters, bassethounds, friends and the countless citizens of Chicago he must've helped during his career. It is just another time, thinking of him and feeling for his family. May God Bless his heart and rest his soul. A true hero stolen from us.
The lady getting off the bus
January 24, 2023
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