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Incident
Chief of Police James Yeoman died from gunshot wounds he suffered the day before as he attempted to arrest two men standing on the Illinois Central Railroad platform. After receiving reports of shots being fired at motorists, Chief Yeoman approached the suspicious men and began questioning them. As he ordered them to accompany him to the police station, one of the subjects suddenly pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking Chief Yeoman three times in the abdomen. He was able to return fire, wounding the gunman in the head, before collapsing. The gunman then exchanged shots with another police officer who was nearby, from Specialville which is present-day Dixmoor, striking him twice in the lung. Both officers and the gunman were transported to Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, where Chief Yeoman died the following day. The unarmed, second suspect who fled the scene was captured a short time later.
Survivors
Chief Yeoman was survived by his wife and two 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.
Chief of Police Yeoman served with the Hazel Crest Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Hazel Crest community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Yeoman.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
James is the only officer of Hazel Crest Police Department remembered here.
James is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1926, 17 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1926, 209 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1926, 209 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 12th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
When
July holds 10.3% of these deaths in IL, more than any other month. Saturdays: 15.8%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Hazel Crest Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% 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 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 16-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
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