Chicago Police Department, Illinois
End of Watch Monday, December 23, 1974
Add to My HeroesHarl G. Meister
Police Officer Harl Meister, was shot to death in a robbery attempt in the parking lot of a discount store at 5601 South Cicero Avenue.
He and his 8-year-old son were attempting to leave after a last-minute Christmas shopping trip when four youths attempted to rob him. His son was shot in the jaw and shoulder during the attack and was taken to a hospital in critical condition
Officer Meister was able to draw his revolver and fire before he was killed. One 16-year-old suspect was apprehended one block from the shooting scene, and another 16-year-old suspect was taken into custody three hours later. The other two, ages 17 and 18, were apprehended a few hours later.
Officer Meister was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His son recovered fully from his wounds.
One year later the 16-year-old who killed Officer Meister was convicted of murder and sentenced to 20 to 50 years. Two others were sentenced to 14 to 20 years and three to nine years. The fourth suspect received a very light sentence for attempted armed robbery.
Officer Meister had served with the Chicago Police Department for 6-1/2 years and was assigned to the Marquette District. He was awarded several honorable mentions during his career and also spent six months assigned to the department’s Special Operations Group. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
Bio
- Age 36
- Tour 6 years
- Badge 10054
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber
- Offender Apprehended
Most Recent Reflection
View all 32 ReflectionsRIP and God bless you and your family. You will never be forgotten.
PO
CPD 011th District retired
December 24, 2020
Recent LODD Deaths
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024
Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson
Harris County Constable's Office - Precinct 5, TX
EOW: November 22, 2024
Major Michelle Lynn Quintero
Madison County Sheriff's Office, NC
EOW: September 27, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller, Jr.
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024
Corporal Luis Paez
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 21, 2024