Patrolman McGee | Star #1345

Patrolman David McGee, Star #1345, aged 32 years, was a 5 year, 11 month, 17 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the Motorcycle Squadron.

On February 28, 1917, Officer McGee was found dead a few feet from his police motorcycle at 48th Street and Western Avenue. His motorcycle was severely damaged from an apparent traffic crash. It was believed by police that the car of Walter Pettus, age 28, of 4348 West 28th Street, a former employee in the Officer of the Clerk of the Superior Court, caused the death of Officer Magee. Police initiated a search for Pettus who gave himself up to police but denied any knowledge of Officer McGee’s death. Pettus auto was found in a garage at 48th Street and Western Avenue with a smashed and scratched fender / mudguard. Three men, one of who said Pettus was the owner took the car to the garage in the early morning hours. A check on the vehicles license tag showed it being registered to Pettus. It is unknown if Pettus was ever held responsible for the crash.

Officer McGee was waked at his residence located at 6810 South Throop Street. His funeral mass was held at Evergreen Cemetery. He was laid to rest on March 4, 1917 in Evergreen Cemetery, 3401 West 87th Street, Evergreen Park, Illinois.

Patrolman David McGee, born February 22, 1885, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on August 11, 1911.

Officer McGee was a member of the Chicago Policemen’s Benevolent & Welfare Association, a Master Mason and a member of Richard Cole Lodge No. 697 AF&AM. He was survived by his parents: Agnes (nee Thompson) and John Edward, Sr. and siblings: John Edward, Jr., Mary A. McCreedy, Mrs. John McGradle, Philip B., Richard T. and William Officer.

Chicago Police Historical Homicide Database case not found for this incident.