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Fred H. Wells
Incident
Railroad Detective Fred Wells was shot and killed when he interrupted several men burglarizing a rail car in Peoria, Illinois, at approximately 5:00 am.
Detective Wells was engaged in a shootout at the foot of Cedar Street with the men and was struck three times. His body was not found until about 7:00 am after police were notified that a man suffering gunshot wounds had been taken to a local hospital.
Peoria police officers investigating the shooting were told that shots had been heard near the rail yards. As they searched the yards they discovered the body of Detective Wells.
The wounded subject confessed to the shooting and claimed that he acted alone, however, several other suspects were taken into custody in connection with the murder.
The suspect was convicted of murder, sentenced to 14 years, and eventually released. In 1932 he and his father burglarized two stores in East Moline.
Detective Wells had served with the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department for four years.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- September 9, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Railroad Detective Wells gave the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Railroad Detective Wells.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department has lost 7 officers; 4 of them killed feloniously.
Fred is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Fred is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Fred 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 1921, 13 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Fred had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Fred had served 4 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Saturdays: 15.8%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.3%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 7 deaths at Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 5.9% 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 gun; unknown type, in 9.5% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun; unknown type, in 8.5% of these deaths.
His people
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Fred among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 41-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
