Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Richard Morton was shot and killed after he and his partner responded to a report of an elderly man threatening children with a BB gun at 1352 10th Avenue. in When the officers arrived, they attempted to have the man surrender the BB gun, but the man suddenly produced a .32-caliber revolver from his pocket and opened fire. Patrolman Morton was struck in the chest during the exchange of gunfire but was able to return fire, along with his partner, and killed the suspect. Patrolman Morton was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound during surgery several hours later. Patrolman Morton had served with the East Moline Police Department for four years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, son, two daughters, and a sister.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-37876A40- 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.
Patrolman Morton gave the East Moline Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Moline community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Morton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Richard Morton, Jr. 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%.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Richard Morton, Jr.'s cause is highlighted.
How Richard Morton, Jr. Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Richard Morton, Jr. is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Richard Morton, Jr. was killed by handgun; .32 caliber.