Roll of Honor
Incident
Policeman Robert Schanbaum was struck and killed by a drunken driver while he and his partner issued a speeding ticket to another driver on Milwaukee Avenue.
The occupants of the car, a family of four, and the two officers were standing next to the vehicles discussing the ticket when another car approached and struck the group. Policeman Schanbaum and the driver being ticketed were killed. The driver's wife and two children were injured, along with the drunken driver who was ejected from his vehicle. Policeman Schanbaum's partner was not injured.
Policeman Schanbaum had served with the Cook County Highway Police for seven years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-F3637469- 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.
Policeman Schanbaum gave the Cook County Highway Police 7 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Policeman Schanbaum.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Policeman Robert "Ruby" Schanbaum 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 Cook County Highway Police, 2 of 13 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 15.4% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Robert "Ruby" Schanbaum's cause is highlighted.
How Robert "Ruby" Schanbaum Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Robert "Ruby" Schanbaum is highlighted in Aug.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Robert "Ruby" Schanbaum was killed by automobile; alcohol involved.
Others Who Wore This Badge
12 officers from Cook County Highway Police are honored on badge.nw.
