Fabian Patillo

How they died

No

Fabian Patillo reportedly shot himself by mistake as off-duty OPD Sgt. Juan Paladines and rookie OPD officer Stephen Struska pursued him on foot. According to police, Patillo was suspected in the rape and robbery of several woman in River Forest, and had run off when one victim fought back. Police learned that Patillo had entered Mills Park, so they sealed off the area and began to search. Paladines, who'd reportedly heard about the search on his radio, parked and saw Patillo crouching behind a garbage can. Patillo then started down Home, and Paladines got out and followed, radioing his position. Struska joined Paladines. Struska passed Paladines, and was about to grab Patillo when he allegedly pulled a handgun. According to police, Patillo attempted to shoot Struska over his shoulder, but fired too soon and shot himself in the side of the head. Patillo died several hours later.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Fabian Patillo, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources