Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Robert Kucken and Patrolman Thomas Mitchell were killed after responding to a disturbance shortly after midnight at a local dance hall at 4730 McCook Avenue. The gathering place had erupted into gunfire when a patron drew his revolver and began firing, killing one patron and wounding others. The suspect then fled through the back door. Both officers were called in to assist in captuing the suspect and upon spotting him near Chicago Avenue & Railroad Avenue, commanded him to halt. The suspect instead opened fire on the officers, both of whom returned fire. Patrolman Robert Kucken was killed almost instantly. Patrolman Mitchell was able to fire back and deliever fatal shots to the suspect who was captured and died from his wounds the next day. Patrolman Mitchell ultimately succumbed to his own wounds the following day. Patrolman Kucken had served with the department for two and a half years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-33AF27F3- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- 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 Kucken gave the East Chicago Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kucken.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Robert Kucken 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 61.8 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At East Chicago Police Department, 8 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert Kucken's cause is highlighted.
How Robert Kucken Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert Kucken is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert Kucken was killed by handgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from East Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
