Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Thomas Mitchell and Patrolman Robert Kucken were killed after responding to a disturbance shortly after midnight at a local dance hall at 4730 McCook Avenue. The gathering place had erupted into gunfire when a patron drew his revolver and began firing, killing one patron and wounding others. The suspect then fled through the back door. Both officers were called in to assist in captuing the suspect and upon spotting him near Chicago Avenue & Railroad Avenue, commanded him to halt. The suspect instead opened fire on the officers, both of whom returned fire. Patrolman Robert Kucken was killed almost instantly. Patrolman Mitchell was able to fire back and deliever fatal shots to the suspect who was captured and died from his wounds the next day. Patrolman Mitchell, a WWI Army veteran, was taken to the hospital but ultimately succumbed to his own wounds the following day as well.
Survivors
He was survived by his sister and other family.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IN-EF703D99- 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 served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Mitchell served with the East Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Thomas M. Mitchell served in the United States military before joining law enforcement. Full service record available on salute.nw.
Patrolman Thomas M. Mitchell 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 IN, 311 of 503 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.8% of this state's fallen. That is 7.6 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At East Chicago Police Department, 8 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 100% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Thomas M. Mitchell's cause is highlighted.
How Thomas M. Mitchell Compares
Offender Outcome
Shot and killed
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Thomas M. Mitchell is highlighted in Sep.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Thomas M. Mitchell was killed by handgun; revolver.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from East Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
