Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman James Williams was shot and killed while attempting to arrest four men who had just committed an armed robbery. He was on patrol when he observed four gunmen robbing a citizen in a vacant lot at 2933 S Wabash Avenue. As Patrolman Williams attempted to arrest the armed offenders, one of them fired directly at him. Although fatally wounded, Patrolman Williams managed to wound one suspect. Patrolman Williams was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds two days later. All four suspects were sentenced to life in prison. Patrolman Williams was assigned to the 2nd District, 14th Precinct.
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- Added to badge.nw
- 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 Williams served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Williams.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James A. Williams is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,772 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 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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 A. Williams's cause is highlighted.
How James A. Williams Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James A. Williams is highlighted in Jul.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James A. Williams was killed by gun.
Incident Location
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