Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Charles C. Kraatz was killed as he and another officer investigated reports of an armed subject in the hallways of an apartment building at the intersection of E. 36th Place and S. Ellis Avenue. When they arrived on the scene Detective Kraatz commanded the subject to drop his weapon and then walked toward him. The subject began shooting, striking Detective Kraatz in the right shoulder, hip, and stomach. Other officers returned fire and killed the assailant. Records later showed the gunman was on probation for carrying a concealed weapon. Detective Kraatz was transported to Michael Reese Hospital where he succumbed to his wounds the following day. Detective Kraatz had served with the Chicago Police Department for 24 years.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-49CFAB53- 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.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Charles. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
24 years. You could have gone home.
Patrolman Kraatz gave the Chicago Police Department 24 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kraatz.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Charles C. Kraatz 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. Charles C. Kraatz's cause is highlighted.
How Charles C. Kraatz Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles C. Kraatz is highlighted in May.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles C. Kraatz was killed by gun; unknown type.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
