Trooper Frank A. Doris

Frank A. Doris

Trooper Frank Doris was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Route 45 near Flora.

Trooper Doris had just finished his night shift working the desk at District 12 Headquarters. On his way home to Clay City, he pulled over a bright red Mustang for speeding. As he sat in his squad car issuing a ticket, Trooper Frank Doris was shot in the head by the speeder, who then fled. A reflex made the slain trooper's foot press against the accelerator, causing the car to overheat. Nearby residents pulled Trooper Doris' body from the car just before it burst into flames. He was taken to Clay County Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Troopers quickly located the assailant, a 60-year-old ex-convict, who led officers on a three-county chase with speeds reaching as high as 130 mph. Troopers were able to box in and apprehend the killer near Albion in Edwards County. In the car, they found Trooper Doris' ticket book and a .38 caliber revolver that was used as the murder weapon.

The killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. He died in prison while waiting for execution.

Trooper Frank Doris was a United States Army WWII veteran and served with the Illinois State Police for ten years, assigned to District 12, Effingham. He was survived by his wife and three sons.