Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John O'Donnell was struck and killed by a drunk driver while he was loading an accident victim into a police ambulance at the intersection of Diversey Avenue and Kilbourn Avenue.
The drunk driver crashed into the back of the ambulance, crushing Policeman O'Donnell between the two vehicles.
The 43-year-old suspect was arrested and charged with manslaughter and negligent homicide.
Patrolman O'Donnell was assigned to the Cragin Station.
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BO-US-IL-F0B9B3BA- Stewardship
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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 O'Donnell served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman O'Donnell.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. O'Donnell 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. John J. O'Donnell's cause is highlighted.
How John J. O'Donnell Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. O'Donnell is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. O'Donnell was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Incident Location
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