Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr., Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois

Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton, Jr.

Chicago Park District Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Monday, September 3, 1945

Add to My Heroes

Spencer Thornton, Jr.

Park Police Officer Spencer Thornton was shot and killed while intervening in a quarrel at the 31st Street Beach.

One of the men involved in the disturbance opened fire, killing Officer Thornton and the other participant in the quarrel. Two other police officers who had been assigned to the Democratic picnic shot the suspect in the shoulder.

Officer Thornton died of his wounds at Michael Reese Hospital.

The subject who shot him was convicted of two counts of murder and sentenced to two life terms to be served consecutively. He died in prison in 1970.

Bio

Age 37
Tour Not available
Badge 327

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun; Revolver
Offender Died in prison

disturbance

LODD Mapping FAQs

Most Recent Reflection

View all 9 Reflections

Officer Thornton,
On today, the 75th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Chicago Park. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

September 3, 2020