Incident
Patrolman William Gallagher and Patrolman Jesse Hults were shot and killed while investigating a kidnapping. During the course of their investigation, the officers went to an apartment at 4139 South Park Way (modern-day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive) on the city's south side. Several members of a cult who were inside opened fire, killing Patrolman Gallagher and fatally wounding Patrolman Hults. The gunman who shot Patrolman Hults was shot and killed by another officer at the scene. Five other suspects were taken into custody.
Survivors
Patrolman William Gallagher is survived by his wife, daughter, and son.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-1A46D566- 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 Gallagher served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Gallagher.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman William Gallagher 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%.
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. William Gallagher's cause is highlighted.
How William Gallagher Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William Gallagher is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William Gallagher was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
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