Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Daniel J. Quinnan was shot and killed when he entered a downtown tavern at 646 South Wabash Avenue during an armed robbery. Shortly before he arrived to conduct a routine check an armed subject had lined several patrons against the wall and ordered the bartender to fill a paper bag with money from the register. Detective Quinnan walked in and began to talk with the bartender when the gunman appeared and shot him in the chest before he had an opportunity to draw his weapon. The gunman stepped over the fallen detective and fled the scene. He was arrested a few hours later at a hotel several blocks south of the tavern. Detective Quinnan was transported to Presbyterian St. Lukes Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The 29-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 to 70 years. He escaped from prison in 1987 but was quickly captured. Detective Quinnan was assigned to the 1st District. He was a 13 year veteran of the department and is survived by his wife. He had been awarded 25 letters of commendation from the department. In 1956, he survived electrocution when a truck that was too high snagged and broke a trolly car wire that fell across his neck. Doctors said he survived because he was such a big man, 230 pounds with a very thick neck. It was the condition of his neck that saved his life.
Survivors
He was a 13 year veteran of the department and is survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-AE300A62- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Quinnan gave the Chicago Police Department 13 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Quinnan.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective Daniel J. Quinnan is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 842 of 1,318 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 63.9% of this state's fallen. That is 9.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Chicago Police Department, 396 of 571 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 69.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Daniel J. Quinnan's cause is highlighted.
How Daniel J. Quinnan Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 35 to 70 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Daniel J. Quinnan is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Daniel J. Quinnan was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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