Waukegan Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Friday, October 31, 1924
Add to My HeroesCharles Pelton
Special Policeman Charles Pelton and Patrolman Herbert Gillis were killed in a motorcycle crash when their motorcycle struck a Halloween barricade that had been placed on Butrick Street.
After receiving notice of an incident on Butrick Street, the two officers went to investigate. An oncoming vehicle's lights prevented Patrolman Gillis from seeing that a piece of timber had been placed in the roadway. Their motorcycle struck the 10-foot long 4x6-inch plank stretched across the road. The motorcycle and sidecar hit the plank and swerved into an oncoming car.
Both officers were thrown from the motorcycle and sidecar and suffered skull fractures. Special Policeman Pelton died instantly and Patrolman Gillis was taken to the hospital where he subsequently died at 12:30 am.
It was later discovered that seven teenagers were responsible for putting the plank in the roadway. All seven were arrested.
Special Policeman Pelton was one of 100 special police officers who were sworn in to assist with Halloween festivities. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age Not available
- Tour 1 day
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Motorcycle crash
Most Recent Reflection
View all 3 ReflectionsNo passage of time can ever erase your service and sacrifice. Rest in peace always.
Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)
November 1, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Police Officer Kyle Hicks
Corpus Christi Police Department, TX
EOW: April 24, 2024
Investigator John Hampton Coddou, III
Harris County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: April 23, 2024
Police Officer Jordan Wingate
Oakland Police Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Police Officer Luis M. Huesca
Chicago Police Department, IL
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Tobin Bolter
Ada County Sheriff's Office, ID
EOW: April 21, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Alfredo "Freddy" Flores
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, CA
EOW: April 20, 2024
Investigator Brian Herbert
Osage Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: April 17, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Fred Fislar
Hendricks County Sheriff's Office, IN
EOW: April 16, 2024
Police Officer Michael E. Jensen
Syracuse Police Department, NY
EOW: April 14, 2024