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Incident
Patrolman John Costabile was shot and killed in a gunbattle with a 19-year-old soldier who was absent without leave. The suspect returned to the area to locate a woman he was obsessed with. Upon finding the woman and her boyfriend parked in front of her home, the suspect approached and opened fire on the male companion. After missing him twice, the suspect then turned the gun on the woman, wounding her before fleeing. As Patrolman Costabile and his partner went to the suspect's home at 1303 Vincennes Avenue, they found a cab waiting outside. When the suspect exited his residence he opened fire on the officers, striking Patrolman Costabile twice in the chest with a Spanish-type, 7.65 mm automatic pistol. Patrolman Costabile was able to return four shots at the suspect despite being mortally wounded before his partner killed the suspect with one shotgun blast to the head. The awaiting cab transported Patrolman Costabile, accompanied by his partner, to the hospital where he died within minutes. Patrolman Costabile had served with the Chicago Heights Police Department for three years and had previously served as an officer with the Cook County Highway Police and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway Police Department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two young sons, father, two sisters and three brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Costabile gave the Chicago Heights Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Costabile.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chicago Heights Police Department has lost 2 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1946, 6 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 43rd heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1946, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1946, 93 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 67th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 35. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 35. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 35. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Sundays: 15.2%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Sundays: 15.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 2 deaths at Chicago Heights Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Chicago Heights Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 40-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Chicago Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
