Police Officer Clifton P. Lewis

Clifton P. Lewis

Police Officer Clifton Lewis was shot and killed while attempting to take action during a robbery at a grocery store on North Austin Boulevard.

He was working an overtime security detail at the store, which had been robbed several weeks earlier, when three male subjects entered at about 8:30 pm. One of the men shot Officer Lewis multiple times before grabbing his service weapon and badge and fleeing the store.

Officer Lewis was transported to Stroger Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds. Two suspects were arrested and charged in connection with Officer Lewis' murder. On November 24, 2013, the third suspect was arrested and charged with first degree murder.

On February 28, 2019, one suspect, now 31, was convicted of first degree murder, aggravated battery, and armed robbery. His conviction was overturned based on allegations of police misconduct. As of October of 2022, he is still waiting for a new trial. On October 6, 2017, another, now 40, was convicted of the same charges and sentenced to 84 years. His conviction was also overturned. The reason stated was he was denied an attorney when he asked for one while authorities were questioning him. As of October 2022 he also is waiting for a new trial. The third suspect, now 39, has yet to go to trial because of an alibi involving a "Play Station Three" he said he was playing at the time of the murder. Technicians with Sony figured out how to get information from the video game in 2022. On October 3, 2022, the judge scolded the suspect's attorneys and demanded a quick end to the three cases. A date in February 2023 has been set.

Officer Lewis had served with the Chicago Police Department for eight years and was assigned to the 15th District's Tactical Team. He is survived by his daughter, mother, and fiancee.