Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Corcoran was shot and killed during an armed robbery in front of a drug store at 2843 Indiana Avenue. He resisted the offender and attempted to make an arrest. A struggle ensued in which the subject fired his revolver striking Patrolman Corcoran. Nine weeks later the suspect was apprehended after one of two women arrested for disorderly conduct told police that the other woman's boyfriend shot Patrolman Corcoran. The man, 34, admitted that he murdered Patrolman Corcoran. Five years earlier he was arrested for the murder of his wife but was released due to a lack of evidence.
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BO-US-IL-6885A7C5- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Corcoran served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Corcoran.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James S. Corcoran is one of 17,559 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,587 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 10 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
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. James S. Corcoran's cause is highlighted.
How James S. Corcoran Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James S. Corcoran is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James S. Corcoran was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
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