Sergeant John Chiska

John Chiska

Sergeant John Chiska was in plainclothes when he was approached by three armed offenders who announced a robbery at 2218 North Laurel Avenue (modern-day Washtenaw Avenue) at 9:30 am.

Sergeant Chiska identified himself as a police officer and arrested two of the offenders. The third gunman shot Sergeant Chiska. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

Two men were found guilty of Sergeant Chiska's murder. The first was sentenced to 20 years in prison. The second was sentenced to death and executed at the Cook County Jail on October 13th, 1939.

Sergeant Chiska had served with the Chicago Police Department for 21 years, assigned to the 31st District- Cragin. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, his mother, and three brothers.