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Incident
Detective Elie Kreigh and Special Officer Daniel Brassell were shot and killed in Chicago, Illinois, while they attempted to arrest several tramps who were riding on the Chicago and Alton No. 18 freight train.
The shooting took place near the red bridge over Archer Avenue. Detective Kreigh died instantly. Officer Brassell was taken to a local hospital where he died on April 17th, 1888, after developing blood poisoning from his wounds.
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
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Tributes
138 years is a long time for a name to go unread. Not today.
Detective Kreigh served with the Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department has lost 6 officers; 6 of them killed feloniously.
Elie is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Elie is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Elie is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1888, 2 officers at Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1888, 4 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 69th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1888, 60 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1888, 63 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 126th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Elie was 24. Of the 5 killed feloniously at Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 23 and 29; the middle age was 24.
Elie was 24. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Elie was 24. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Elie was 24. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
April holds 33.3% of these deaths at Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department, more than any other month. Tuesdays: 50%.
April holds 9.5% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
April holds 8.4% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
April holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 6 deaths at Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department has 6 officers remembered here, Elie among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 14-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
5 officers from Chicago and Alton Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
