Patrolman Schott | Star #12028

Patrolman Richard Robert Schott, Star #12028, aged 46 years, was a 24 year, 5 month, 29 day veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 9th District – Deering.

On December 3, 1997, at 1:05 a.m., Officer Schott was working the 1st Watch as a Lockup Keeper with Patrolmen Walter J. Brendal. The officers were in the process of fingerprinting Sergio DeLeon, age 32, after he had been arrested for Drinking on the Public Way. DeLeon became unruly during the fingerprinting process and they decided to move him into a cell. DeLeon then started to punch and kick the officers as they moved him. The officer wrestled him to the ground and Officer Brendal was able to pin him down to the floor. At this time Officer Schott left the lockup to summon assistance. Officer Schott then returned to the lockup with Patrolmen James P. Bailey and Michael Kolasa. Upon their return they observed Officer Brendal still struggling with DeLeon. DeLeon continued to punch and kick the officers, striking them in the face and chest several times, as they struggled to move him into a cell. The officers were able to get him into cell #4 and close the door. As Officer Schott began to walk away, he suddenly collapsed to the floor unconscious. The other officers rushed to his aid and summoned help. Officer Schott was transported to Columbia Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center by CFD Ambulance #4 where he was pronounced dead by Dr. Yount at 2:02 a.m. on December 3, 1997. His cause of death was attributed to coronary arteriosclerosis, which was aggravated by the physical altercation. The Cook County Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Sergio DeLeon was charged with first degree murder and three counts of aggravated battery. He was found innocent of Officer Schott’s death, but was found guilty of the three counts of aggravated battery and the initial possession charge. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years in prison.

Officer Schott was waked at Blake and Lamb Funeral Home located at 4727 West 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL. His funeral mass was held in St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church located at 8200 South Kostner Avenue. He was laid to rest on December 8, 1997 in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 6001 West 111th Street, Alsip, Illinois.

Patrolman Richard Robert Schott, born May 10, 1951, received his Probationary Appointment to the Chicago Police Department on June 4, 1973. He earned 1 Department Commendation, 48 Honorable Mentions and 4 Complimentary Letters during his career. Officer Schott was a resident of the Mount Greenwood area and worked in the Deering District his entire career. He was a beat officer and a member of the tactical unit before his assignment to lockup duties.

Officer Schott was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was survived by his ex-wife, Rene’e Marie (nee Nault), age 46; son, Robert Francis, age 20 and brother, William. He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and mother.

Incident Recorded Under Chicago Police Department RD #B772580.

On February 24, 1998, Officer Schott’s star was retired by Superintendent Terry G. Hillard and enshrined in the Superintendent’s Honored Star Case, located in the lobby at Chicago Police Headquarters, 1121 South State Street. In 2000, Chicago Police Headquarters moved to a new facility at 3510 South Michigan Avenue, Officer Schott’s Star was re-encased in the new headquarters building lobby.