Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman John Matonich was shot and killed while investigating an incident on Madison Street in front of Gate 1 of the Chicago Stadium, where he had been assigned for traffic duty. A subject had just robbed a cab driver of cash and then stole the taxi. As he fled he crashed into two parked cars in front of the stadium. When Patrolman Matonich went to investigate he was shot by the suspect five times. Other officers returned fire, killing the suspect. Patrolman Matonich had served with the Chicago Police Department for nine years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-C978BC11- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew John. 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 Matonich gave the Chicago Police Department 9 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Matonich.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman John J. Matonich 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 97,756 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 63.9 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
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. John J. Matonich's cause is highlighted.
How John J. Matonich Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. John J. Matonich is highlighted in Oct.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. John J. Matonich was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
