Police Officer Johnny L. Martin

Police Officer Johnny L. Martin | Chicago Police Department, Illinois
Chicago Police Department, Illinois
Police Officer Johnny L. Martin

Chicago Police Department, Illinois

End of Watch Thursday, June 28, 1990

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Johnny L. Martin

Police Officer Johnny L. Martin was shot and killed while off duty after a neighbor caught a man breaking into vehicles near 3228 North Wilton Avenue.

The suspect was known to area residents as a thief who frequently broke into cars. The neighbor caught him and told him he was going to call the police. Knowing that Officer Martin was a police officer, the neighbor went to his home and notified him.

As Officer Martin and the neighbor spoke on the sidewalk, the man returned to the scene riding a bicycle. He had gone home and retrieved a .32 caliber handgun. He rode up to Officer Martin and shot him in the chest at close range, fatally wounding him. Despite the wound, Officer Martin returned fire with his off-duty weapon as the man rode away.

The subject was arrested, convicted of first-degree murder, and sentenced to 35 years in prison. He was released on parole in 2007.

Officer Martin had served with the Chicago Police Department for four years. He is survived by his mother, five sisters, and two brothers.

Bio

  • Age 31
  • Tour 4 years
  • Badge 16576

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Handgun; .32 caliber
  • Offender Paroled after 17 years

ambush, larceny, off duty

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Johnny so much I wanted to say such a short stay. You were a miracle out of the sky a wonderful beautiful human being. I came to your funeral I was emotionless and speechless. I walked past where your mom sat and sort of waved she was distraught and could not really acknowledge. I had been to her house where a time you lived with your brother. I wanted to tell her how sorry I was what a good man you were I wanted to tell her I loved you I wanted to speak at your funeral but I was dealing with so much. I know your heart was hurting. I will always remember your smile the way your entire face smiled and how you lit up a room. I'll never forget the day I saw you get off the bus on Sheridan road and I saw that big smile and I turned to look back and you turn to look back and we smiled and we connected it it would like meeting an angel I knew instantly you were a great person. You're not here for me to say this to but I'll say it now 34 years later.
I always loved you and I will always love you
José M Mariani Rosa

Jose Mariani Rosa

May 19, 2024

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