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Incident
Patrolman David McCain was shot and killed by a suspect stopped in a stolen vehicle around 11:00 pm on Illinois Route 11. After Patrolman McCain had been alerted that a vehicle which had been stolen in Pontiac was seen in nearby Vandalia headed toward Highland, he and a private citizen began looking for it using the citizen's car. Patrolman McCain and the citizen passed two vehicles east of Pocahontas and turned around to follow them, stopping one of the vehicles driven by a woman who gave evasive answers when questioned, but was released. Proceeding back toward Highland, Patrolman McCain and the citizen passed another vehicle whose driver, attempting to evade them by turning around, backed into a ditch. As the suspect exited the vehicle, he feigned intoxication when approached by Patrolman McCain, but as the citizen was halting traffic, the glare from vehicle headlights made Patrolman McCain a target and two shots rang out, striking the officer near the heart. Patrolman McCain returned three shots with his riot gun before directing the citizen to apprehend the suspect. An exchange of gunfire then ensued as the suspect headed toward a field before the citizen returned to Patrolman McCain's aide and transported him to a hospital, but he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The suspect's bullet-riddled body was later found in the field and without any identification. When the body was claimed by the suspect's brother who was evasive when questioned how he became aware of his brother's fate, the supposition was made he had been notified by the woman initially stopped by Patrolman McCain and the citizen and that they had been traveling together. It was also learned that the suspect had been recently released on bond from the Joliet Penitentiary while awaiting an appeal. Patrolman McCain had served with the Highland Police Department for three years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, daughter, father and three sisters.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman McCain gave the Highland Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Highland community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman McCain.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
David is the only officer of Highland Police Department remembered here.
David is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
David is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
David is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1930, 16 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1930, 239 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1930, 241 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
David was 36. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 36. 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. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
David was 36. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. David had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
May holds 7.8% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
May holds 8.5% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Highland Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% 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 27,552 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 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 1-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
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