Patrolman Patrick J. Ryan

Patrick J. Ryan

Patrolman Patrick J. Ryan was shot and killed by a gunman after the patrolman refused to accept a glass of wine from the man.

Patrolman Ryan entered a tavern at 3328 W. Armitage Avenue and ordered a sandwich when a man approached him and offered the wine. When Patrolman Ryan declined, the man became enraged and threw the glass into Patrolman Ryan's face. As Patrolman Ryan drew his weapon a struggle ensued and he was shot in the abdomen. The 23-year-old suspect was arrested, convicted of murder, and sentenced to 199 years in prison. He was paroled in 1951.

Patrolman Ryan is survived by his invalid wife and four children.