Detective Robinson | Star #6166

Detective Clayton Robinson, Star #6166, aged 39 years, was a 6 year, 2 month, 13 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the Bureau of Field Services – Detective Division: Unit 066 – Area 6 Robbery Section.

On October 25, 1968, at 11:15 p.m., Detective Robinson pulled over in his unmarked squad car on the Northeast corner of Blackhawk Street and Larrabee Avenue. The detective then began speaking to George Lee Robinson, age 23, of 541 West Blackhawk Street, as he stood beside the squad car in the street. George Robinson was intoxicated and causing a disturbance at the above location which is why the detective pulled over to talk to him. Detective Robinson ordered George to go home at which time he began yelling profanities at the detective. George then stepped onto the sidewalk as Detective Robinson began to drive off. George then stepped off the curb and into the path of Detective Robinson’s car. At this time Detective Robinson stopped the car and opened the door, ordering George to go home one last time. George refused and began yelling profanities again. At this time Detective Robinson grabbed the two-way radio in the car and requested a squadrol to his location. George had now walked over to the opposite side of the street. Detective Robinson then exited his squad car and approached George to place him in custody. George began to resist arrest and a tussle ensued. Detective Robinson was able to gain control by drawing his service revolver and held it on George.

While waiting for the squadrol to arrive three male youths, between the ages of 18 and 21, approached the detective. They told him that they knew George and that he should let him go as they would hold him. Detective Robinson informed them that George was under arrest, but then holstered his weapon and allowed the youths to hold George and lift him from the ground. At this time George switched from yelling profanities at the detective to the three youths as they attempted to lift him. George began berating the youths about holding him. The view of George was obstructed by the three youths and Detective Robinson was unable to view George’s actions as he was standing up. George suddenly pulled a .22 caliber Rohm Revolver from his pants pocket and shoved one of the youths out of the way. He took aim at the detective and fired at point blank range striking Detective Robinson in the left eye, the bullet coming to rest at the back of the skull. As George was firing two Task Force officers, Patrolmen Michael Gedmin and Ronald Uselton, had just arrived on scene. As the Task Force officers exited their squad car, they observed George Robinson pull a gun from his back pocket and shoot Detective Robinson. The officers then drew their weapons and yelled “Police.“ The gunman turned towards them and they opened fire shooting George Robinson twice in the chest. The three youths then fled the scene. Detective Robinson was transported to Henrotin Hospital by beat 1870 and was pronounced dead by Dr. Co. at 1:30 a.m. on October 26, 1968. George Robinson was also taken to Henrotin Hospital where he died from his wounds later the same day.

Detective Robinson was waked at A. R. Leak Funeral Home located at 7838 South Cottage Grove Avenue. His funeral mass was held at St. Joseph Parish Church located at 4821 South Hermitage Avenue. He was laid to rest on October 30, 1968 in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, 3801 West 87th Street, Evergreen Park, Illinois. His grave is located in Lot SW of 969, Bloc –, Section MS.

Detective Clayton Robinson, born February 5, 1929, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on August 13, 1962. He earned 1 Award of Valor (posthumously), 1 Blue Star Award (posthumously) and 14 Honorable Mentions during his career. On May 12, 1966, he was promoted to the rank of Detective.

Detective Robinson was survived by his wife, Mamie Louise, age 38; children: Annette, age 17, Deborah, age 11, Michael, age 16 and Randy, age 15 and parents: Beatrice (nee Henley) and Ernest Robinson. He was preceded in death by his parents: Beatrice (nee Henley) and Ernest.

Incident Recorded Under Chicago Police Department RD #G412147.