Patrol Specialist Lee Richard Seward, Sr., a 43-year-old white male, was a dedicated officer with the Chicago Police Department, serving for over 16 years. On December 30, 1987, at approximately 9:48 p.m., Officer Seward and his partner, Patrolman Patricia Cosgrove, responded to a noise disturbance call at an apartment building located at 4126 1/2 North Sheridan Road in Chicago, Illinois.
This was their second visit to the location that day, following an earlier complaint about a neighbor banging on a tenant's door.
Upon arrival, they encountered John Rogers, a 24-year-old male, on a second-floor landing. The officers attempted to place Rogers under arrest after he became uncooperative and resisted. During the struggle, Rogers managed to free himself from the handcuffs and grabbed Officer Seward's .357 caliber magnum revolver from his broken holster. Rogers fired at Officer Seward, striking him in the mouth. Despite being wounded, Officer Seward tried to crawl out of the room, but Rogers turned off the lights and fired again, hitting Seward in the leg. Officer Cosgrove, unable to get a clear shot, pulled Seward to safety in the hallway.
Backup officers arrived at the scene and heard the gunfire. Rogers was eventually shot and killed by another officer during the confrontation. Officer Seward was transported to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. He was cremated on January 4, 1988, at Montrose Cemetery in Chicago.
The incident led to an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Officer Seward's death. John Rogers, the suspect, was identified as the shooter and was killed during the altercation, thus no further arrests or litigations were pursued in relation to the case. The tragic event highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of ensuring their safety while on duty. Officer Seward's sacrifice is remembered and honored by his colleagues and the community he served.
