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.
Cemetery: Lincoln Cemetery - Chicago, Illinois
Grave Location: Unknown
Interment Disposition: Burial
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
Military Service: No Military Record Found