Death Classification: Line of Duty Death
Agency: Chicago Police Department
Served: 15 years, 5 months, 3 days
Unit of Assignment / Detail: 14th District - Shakespeare
District of Incident (Present Day): 014 - Shakespeare
Cause of Death: Gunfire - Enemy
Age at Time of Death: 36
Timeline
Date of Birth: 20 Jan 1940
Date of Appointment: 09 Oct 1961
Date of Incident: 10 Oct 1976
End of Watch: 12 Oct 1976
Date of Interment: 15 Oct 1976
Interment Details
Cemetery: All Saints Catholic Cemetery - Des Plaines, Illinois
Grave Location: Grave 2, Lot 3, Block 203, Section 33
Interment Disposition: Burial
Memorial Details
Superintendent’s Honored Star Case: Panel # D-6
Gold Star Families Memorial Wall: Panel # 14
Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 5, Line 9
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall: Panel # 14-W: 16
Officer Down Memorial Page: Listed
Service
Military Service: Did Not Serve
Incident & Biographic Details
Patrolman Terrence Emmett Loftus, Star #5701, aged 36 years, was a 15 year, 5 month, 3 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 14th District – Shakespeare Tactical Unit.
On October 10, 1976, at 1:53 a.m., Officer Loftus was driving home from work when he witnessed two rival gangs fighting, the Gaylords and the Lawndale Imperial Gangsters. The Officer exited his vehicle near Central Park and Fullerton Avenues, announced his office and attempted to separate the gang members. Several members of a rival gang were having a party in a club across the street at 3559 West Fullerton Avenue and when they saw what was happening they all came out of the club. Just as an on duty police officer arrived, multiple gunshots rang out and Officer Loftus was struck in the right cheek and the bullet severed his spinal cord and exited out of his neck. He was rushed to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital where it was learned that he sustained severe brain damage and was being kept on life support. He remained in a coma and died two days later and was pronounced dead at 5:25 p.m. on October 12, 1976.
Ronnie L. Carasquillo, age 18, of 3050 West Belmont Avenue, a known Imperial Lawndale Gangster, was arrested. He was charged with attempt murder and aggravated battery. On October 12, 1976, his charges were amended to murder. On January 17, 1978, Carasquillo was found guilty and sentenced to 200 to 600 years in prison plus 5 years of parole by Judge Wilson. In October 2008 and November 2010 Carasquillo became eligible for parole and was denied. On November 13, 2013, Carasquillo again became eligible for parole. On November 22, 2013 the Illinois Prisoner Review Board denied his parole. The vote was 12 against parole and 2 for parole.
Officer Loftus was waked at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home located at 6150 North Cicero Avenue. His funeral mass was held at Our Lady Mother of the Church located at 8747 West Lawrence Avenue. He was laid to rest on October 15, 1976 in All Saints Catholic Cemetery, 700 North River Road, Des Plaines, Illinois. His grave is located in Grave 2, Lot 3, Block 203, Section 33.
Patrolman Terrence Emmett Loftus, born January 20, 1940, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on October 9, 1961.
Officer Loftus was survived by his wife, Carol Ann (nee Wendt), age 34.
Incident Recorded under Chicago Police Department RD #X388613.
I grew up with Terry we both lived on the same block. Terry was a true police officer who stopped to give assistance rather than kept going on his way. Terry you are in our prayers always.