Patrolman Charles F. Pennell, a 44-year-old white male, was a dedicated officer of the Chicago Police Department, serving for nearly 13 years. On August 12, 1902, he succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained in the line of duty. The incident occurred in the early hours of August 11, 1902, when Pennell and his partner, Patrolman Timothy Devine, were ambushed by two burglary suspects at 1622 West Jackson Boulevard. The officers were following the suspects when they were suddenly fired upon.
Both officers returned fire, but were mortally wounded in the exchange. Officer Devine died at the scene, while Officer Pennell was transported to Cook County Hospital, where he passed away the following day.
The investigation into the murders of Officers Pennell and Devine led to multiple arrests. Initially, six individuals were apprehended in connection with the case. Among them was John Pike, who was arrested on suspicion but later released on July 21, 1903. The case took a significant turn when Charles Kruger, already sentenced to death for the murder of Constable Henry F. Bierer in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, confessed to the murders of Pennell and Devine on November 30, 1909. Kruger was executed in Pennsylvania on February 11, 1904.
Another suspect, Louis Stockowski, was arrested on August 12, 1905, based on information provided by Louis Growzeski, who was serving a sentence in the Illinois State Penitentiary at Joliet. Despite these arrests and confessions, the case remained a significant chapter in the history of the Chicago Police Department, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the relentless pursuit of justice for fallen officers.
Patrolman Pennell's sacrifice is commemorated on various memorials, including the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, the Gold Star Families Memorial Wall, the Illinois Police Officers Memorial Wall, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall. His dedication and ultimate sacrifice continue to be honored by the Chicago Police Department and the community he served.
