Patrolman Jesse C. Gilman, a 56-year-old white male, was a veteran of the Chicago Police Department, having served for nearly 21 years. On December 23, 1910, he was involved in a tragic incident that led to his death. The events unfolded when Gregori Gracio, an employee at the Brooks Laundry Company, was fired from his job. In a fit of rage, Gracio shot at his boss, Foreman John Simes, and Driver R.C. Fehrman.
Although both men survived, Simes identified Gracio, who then fled the scene.
The police were alerted, and Patrolman Gilman, along with his partner Patrolman William Burns, was assigned to watch for Gracio in the vicinity of the laundry company. On December 24, 1910, the officers spotted Gracio among a crowd of Christmas shoppers at Ohio and Wells Streets. As they approached and began questioning him, Gracio kept his hands in his overcoat pockets. Without warning, he fired two shots through his pocket, striking Patrolman Gilman in the side, severing his left femoral artery. Gilman collapsed, bleeding profusely.
Despite his injuries, Gilman urged his partner to pursue the assailant. Patrolman Burns chased Gracio for several blocks, exchanging gunfire. The pursuit ended when Burns caught up with Gracio and, during a struggle, shot him in the head, killing him. Patrolman Gilman succumbed to his injuries shortly after the incident, marking the end of his dedicated service to the Chicago Police Department.
The case did not lead to further arrests or litigations, as the suspect, Gregori Gracio, was killed during the confrontation. The incident was classified as a line-of-duty death, and Patrolman Gilman was honored for his bravery and sacrifice. His death highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the unpredictable nature of their work.
