Patrolman James “Jim” B. Crowley, Jr., Star #4169, aged 59 years, was a 1 year, 0 month, 24 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 2nd District – Wentworth.

On September 4, 1987, at 8:19 p.m., Officer Crowley was on duty and working with Patrolman William Malcolm Morrison, Jr. #9593 of the Jefferson Park District, Patrolman Thomas W. Argenbright #17497 of the Wentworth District, Patrolman Allen D. Adams #17207 of the Albany Park District and Sergeant Paul L. Tasch, Jr. #848 of Area 5 Violent Crimes, working Special Employment for the Chicago Housing Authority on beat 4580. The officers responded to a “man with a gun“ call in the area of 14th Street and Ashland Avenue. The officers were traveling Westbound on 15th Street in their marked squad car when they were broadsided by a brown 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass which was traveling northbound on Ashland Avenue. Sergeant Tasch was driving and Officer Morrison was sitting in the back seat behind Sergeant Tasch. They received the brunt of the impact as the Oldsmobile impacted their car at the rear driver side door. The Oldsmobile was driven by Juan Soliz, age 39, of 722 North Willard Court. Recovered from the vehicle were one glass bottle containing amber fluid, two empty 12oz Miller beer cans and three 16-gauge shotgun shells.

All five officers sustained severe injuries. Adams and Tasch were transported to St. Luke Presbyterian Hospital, were treated, and eventually released. Argenbright and Crowley were transported to the University of Illinois Research Hospital, were treated, and eventually released. Officer Crowley sustained a catastrophic brain injury as a result of the crash and was no longer able to walk or care for himself. This life altering injury forced him to end his career at the age of 22. Officer Morrison was transported to Cook County Hospital by CFD Ambulance #33 where he was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Douglas at 9:51 p.m. on September 4, 1987. He had sustained severe internal injuries which led to his death. Soliz was taken to St. Luke Presbyterian Hospital where he remained in stable condition, was treated, and released.

Juan Soliz was arrested and charged with reckless homicide, driving under the influence, failure to reduce speed, negligent driving and damage to city property. Through investigation it was learned that Soliz had been celebrating his birthday at Chesterfields Tavern, located at 1820 West Pershing Road, after he left work at 4:00 p.m. Soliz, along with several friends, consumed several pitchers of Heineken beer and several shots of tequila. Soliz stood trial and was found guilty of reckless homicide and driving under the influence. He was sentenced to three years in the Illinois State Penitentiary.

Officer Crowley lived in a group home, located in San Marcos, Texas, for the last 23 years where he was received continued specialized care for his injuries. On Thursday, August 22, 2024, he passed away as a result of the injuries he sustained nearly 37 years prior.

Officer Crowley was waked at Andrew J. McCann Funeral Home located at 10727 South Pulaski Road. His funeral mass was held at St. Christiana Catholic Church located at 3342 West 111th Street. He was laid to rest on September 4, 2024 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 West 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 10, Lot 13, Block 24, Section 38.

Patrolman James “Jim” B. Crowley Jr., born March 21, 1965, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on August 11, 1986.

Officer Crowley was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was survived by his Mother, Zita C. and sister, Beth (Jerry) Carter. He was preceded in death by his father, James B., Sr.

Incident Recorded Under Chicago Police Department RD #J381053 General Offense Case Report and #J877287 Traffic Crash Report.