Police Officer Gerald Leo Wright

Police Officer Gerald Leo Wright

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Saturday, August 7, 1993

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Gerald Leo Wright

Police Officer Gerald L. Wright was shot and killed on his way home from his shift.

At about 11:30 p.m., at 934 West 79th Street, Officer Wright stopped into a store to visit the owners. When he went out to talk to a man standing outside the store, shots rang out from across the street in front of 942 W. 79th Street.

Two gang members, including one 16-year-old, opened fire in retaliation for a previous shooting in the area.

Officer Wright was shot in the back. He was transported to Christ Hospital and Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he died during surgery at 3:18 a.m. Saturday morning.

The subject was convicted of first-degree murder and was sentenced to 100 years. Another accomplice was sentenced to 55 years.

Officer Wright was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Chicago Police Department for 20 years. He is survived by his son and two daughters. His father had retired from the Chicago Police Department, and Officer Wright wore his badge number.

Bio

  • Age 46
  • Tour 20 years
  • Badge 3845
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; Tech-9
  • Offender Sentenced to 100 years

gang member, juvenile offender, off duty, retaliation

Most Recent Reflection

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Hard to believe it has been 30 years. Thank you for your service.

Detective Tom Downes ret.
Chicago

August 7, 2023

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