Larry Neuman, a 73-year-old retired Chicago Police Department (CPD) officer and explosives technician, was fatally shot on June 20, 2024, in the West Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. in the 4300 block of West Monroe Street, just outside his home where he had lived for nearly half a century.
Neuman, who was CPD's longest-serving bomb technician, had a distinguished career with the department, joining in the early 1980s and retiring in 2010.
After his retirement, he worked as an explosives specialist for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at both O'Hare and Midway airports.
On the day of the shooting, Neuman was in his front yard, paying a worker who had mowed his lawn. Two individuals, later described as teenagers wearing ski masks and dark clothing, approached him. One of them shouted "freeze" and attempted to grab Neuman, who then reached for a gun in his waistband. The suspects exchanged gunfire with Neuman, who heroically pushed the lawn worker out of harm's way before being shot multiple times.
Neuman was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead due to gunshot wounds in his chest and leg. His body was escorted by CPD's Bomb Squad and other department members to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.
The investigation led to the identification and arrest of two teenagers. A 16-year-old boy turned himself in after his mother and a community activist urged him to do so. He was charged with first-degree murder and is being detained until his trial. A second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested on June 28, 2024, and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in connection with Neuman's death and another robbery in West Garfield Park.
The community and law enforcement have praised Neuman for his dedication to his community and his heroic actions during the shooting. He was remembered as a trailblazer in his field, one of the first African-American bomb techs in the CPD, and a minister at Saint Michael Missionary Baptist Church. A combined $75,000 reward was offered by the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, ATF Chicago, and FBI Chicago for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects.
Neuman's death has been met with widespread tributes and condolences, highlighting his commitment to serving his community even after retirement. His legacy continues to be honored by the community and law enforcement, with a march and vigil held in his memory.
