Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Edward Cleary was fatally shot at about 10:00 pm, November 23rd, 1924 in the vicinity of 1113 Maxwell Street by an unidentified subject he attempted to arrest on the complaint of a woman. He was approached by a woman who reported that she had just been assaulted and she identified the offender on the street. As Patrolman Cleary confronted the offender, the man pulled a revolver and fired, killing him. On December 4th, 1924, the coroner recommended the unknown suspect's arrest and held a female as an accessory in the belief that she knew his identity. On April 15th, 1928, there was an arrest and on May 17th, 1928, the prisoner was turned over to the sheriff. On June 2nd, 1928 another arrest was made, however, on June 7th, 1928 the case was discharged and the first subject arrested was acquitted on January 15th, 1928.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-A118EB1E- 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 Edward. 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
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Cleary gave the Chicago Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Cleary.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman Edward J. Cleary 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. Edward J. Cleary's cause is highlighted.
How Edward J. Cleary Compares
Offender Outcome
Acquitted
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Edward J. Cleary is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Edward J. Cleary 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.
