On September 27, 1982, Patrolman Martin Emmett Darcy Jr., a 52-year-old white male, was fatally shot in the line of duty while serving with the Chicago Police Department. A 27-year veteran of the force, Officer Darcy was assigned to the 22nd District – Morgan Park and had recently returned to patrol duties after a period of clerical work, expressing a desire to conclude his career as he had begun it.
On the day of the incident, Officer Darcy and his partner, Patrolman Edward Ryan, were patrolling the South Side Beverly neighborhood when they responded to a robbery-in-progress call at the Southtown Health Food Store, located at 2148 West 95th Street.
The suspect, identified as Aaron Washington, a 30-year-old male also known by the alias Jesse Lee Anderson, had entered the store and demanded money from the cashier, who was the wife of the store's manager, Emil Mahler. After obtaining cash, Washington exited the store, but Mr. Mahler pursued him and was shot in the abdomen, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. Washington fled the scene in a gold Chevrolet, which was later spotted by Officers Darcy and Ryan. They pursued the vehicle to a parking lot at 95th Street and Western Avenue, where Washington abandoned the car and fled on foot.
During his flight, Washington entered the nearby residence of Kathleen Frantz, a 30-year-old female, at 2637 West 97th Street. He demanded her car keys, and when she did not comply, he shot her in the shoulder before fleeing out the back door. As Officer Darcy approached the area through a gangway between houses, Washington emerged and shot him once, mortally wounding him. Officer Darcy was transported to Little Company of Mary Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:30 p.m.
Following the shooting, Washington continued to evade capture and encountered Patrolman Jerry Johnson, one of the responding officers. Washington opened fire, striking Officer Johnson multiple times, resulting in serious injuries that led to long-term neurological damage. Washington was eventually confronted by other officers, engaged in a gun battle, and was shot four times, resulting in his death at the scene.
Officer Darcy's funeral was held at St. Christina’s Catholic Church, and he was laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. He was survived by his wife, Patricia, and five children, including Martin Emmet III and Patricia Mary Darcy, as well as stepchildren Christina Marie Fairbanks, Diane Marie Higgins, and Paula Michelle Cadan. His brother, Michael, also served with the Chicago Police Department. Officer Darcy's dedication to service was recognized through 11 Honorable Mentions and 3 Complimentary Letters during his career.
