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Incident
Patrolman Charles Rajchinetz was shot to death in front of his home. The only clue the police had is that a green automobile with four occupants was seen speeding away. Patrolman Rajchinetz's movements are known up to within six minutes of the time he was shot. He was on the night shift from 8:00 p.m until 6:00 a.m. Station records showed he made his hourly report by telephone from an East Chicago restaurant. He then left for home, a block away, in a taxicab. No suspects were ever apprehended. Patrolman Rajchinetz had served with the East Chicago Police Department for six 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 Rajchinetz gave the East Chicago Police Department 6 years.
Thank you for your service to the East Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Rajchinetz.
— 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.
Charles is one of 310 officers killed feloniously in IN, 61.6% of the 503 remembered there.
Charles is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Charles 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 1918, 1 officer at East Chicago Police Department was killed feloniously, the 3rd heaviest of 5 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 3.
In 1918, 4 officers in IN were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 122 years on record. The heaviest was 1934, with 9.
In 1918, 165 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 19th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1918, 169 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Charles was 33. 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. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 3.2 years.
Charles was 33. Of the 299 killed feloniously in IN whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
Charles was 33. 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. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Charles was 33. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Charles had served 6 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 12.5% of these deaths at East Chicago Police Department; May holds the most, 25%. Thursdays: 50%.
August holds 8.1% of these deaths in IN; January holds the most, 11%. Thursdays: 14.2%.
August holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
August holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 8 deaths at East Chicago Police Department. The weapon recorded was gun, in 25% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.6% of all 503 deaths in IN, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.9% 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, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
East Chicago Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, Charles among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 7-W
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.
