Patrolman John J. Sweeney

John J. Sweeney

Patrolman John Sweeney of the Racine Avenue Station was found dead in an alley between Noble Street and Ross Street (modern-day Bishop Street), just off Chicago Avenue, with a bullet through the heart.

Officers were sent to the area to investigate burglaries and heard a succession of shots. They immediately found Patrolman Sweeney but no suspects.

The suspect was later caught and convicted. He was sentenced to 60 years in prison and died while still incarcerated in 1957.

Patrolman Sweeney was a U.S. Army veteran of WWI. He had served with the Chicago Police Department for 10 years and was assigned to the Racine Avenue Station. He was survived by his wife, three sons, and daughter.