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Incident
Patrolman Robert Kucken and Patrolman Thomas Mitchell 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 ultimately succumbed to his own wounds the following day. Patrolman Kucken had served with the department for two and a half years.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
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 Kucken gave the East Chicago Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Kucken.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
East Chicago Police Department has lost 8 officers; 8 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert 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 1923, 2 officers at East Chicago Police Department were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 3.
In 1923, 6 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1923, 199 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 14th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1923, 200 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 45. Of the 8 killed feloniously at East Chicago Police Department whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 43.3; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 3.2 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Robert was 45. 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. Robert had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 45. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 2.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
September holds 25% of these deaths at East Chicago Police Department; May holds the most, 25%. Saturdays: 12.5%.
September holds 8.7% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Saturdays: 15.5%.
September holds 9.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
September holds 8.8% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at East Chicago Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 37.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 26.8% 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
East Chicago Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 48-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from East Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
