Special Officer Charles E. Dillon, aged 35, was a dedicated member of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Police Department. On the night of November 20, 1902, Officer Dillon was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a railroad employee suspected of stealing merchandise from a freight car at the rail yard on California Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.
The incident occurred around 2:30 am when an employee alerted Officer Dillon to a broken seal on one of the freight cars.
Acting on this information, Officer Dillon hid underneath the car to catch the suspect in the act. When the suspect returned to the car, Officer Dillon grabbed him from behind and informed him that he was under arrest. In response, the suspect turned around and shot Officer Dillon in the head, killing him instantly. The suspect then fired three more shots at Officer Dillon before fleeing the scene.
A short time later, the suspect was apprehended and confessed to the murder. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for his crime. Officer Dillon was survived by his wife, son, mother, and four brothers. His tragic death was a significant loss to his family and the community.
Officer Dillon's dedication to his duty and his ultimate sacrifice are remembered and honored by those who knew him and by the community he served.
