Dennis  Wilson  | Star #3511

Death Classification: Line of Duty Death

Agency: Chicago Police Department

Served: 10 months, 18 days

Unit of Assignment / Detail: District 3, 3rd Precinct - Cottage Grove

District of Incident (Present Day): 001 - Central

Cause of Death: Gunfire - Enemy

Age at Time of Death: 30

Timeline


Date of Birth: 16 Jan 1890

Date of Appointment: 23 May 1919

Date of Incident: 09 Apr 1920

End of Watch: 10 Apr 1920

Date of Interment: 12 Apr 1920

 

Interment Details


 Cemetery: Lincoln Cemetery - Chicago, Illinois
 Grave Location: Unknown
 Interment Disposition: Burial

 

Memorial Details


Superintendent’s Honored Star Case: Panel # B-5

Gold Star Families Memorial Wall: Panel # 19

Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 1, Line 58

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 22-W: 11

Officer Down Memorial Page: Listed

 

Service


 Military Service: No Military Record Found

 

Incident & Biographic Details


Patrolman Dennis Wilson, Star #3511, aged 30 years, was a 10 months, 18 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to District 3, 3rd Precinct – Cottage Grove.

On April 9, 1920, at 2:30 p.m., Officer Wilson was on duty working in plain clothes when he heard gunfire. The officer rushed in the direction of the gunfire and came across three men who had been fighting, one of which was brandishing a revolver. Knowing that one shot had already been fired, he attempted to disarm the gunman, William Hargraves. Hargraves was a barber who worked in the shop located at 2946 South State Street, which is where the confrontation took place. Officer Wilson ordered Hargraves to drop the gun, but he refused to comply. Instead, Hargraves responded by opening fire. Officer Wilson was hit but was able to return fire, striking Hargraves. Officer Wilson was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead the next day on April 10, 1920.

Officer Wilson was laid to rest on April 12, 1920 in Lincoln Cemetery, 2300 South Kedzie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.

Patrolman Dennis Wilson, born January 16, 1890, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on May 23, 1919. He earned 1 Credible Mention during his career.

Officer Wilson was survived by his wife.

Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department homicide file, Case #5578.