Patrolman Robert Kucken and Patrolman Thomas Mitchell responded to a disturbance at Columbia Hall when two patrons drew revolvers and gunfire erupted.

   One suspect was fleeing through the back door as both officers entered through the front door. When ordered to halt, he dropped behind a table and opened fire before continuing to flee on foot.

   Upon being located a few blocks away the suspect again opened fire, striking Patrolman Kucken below the heart, who died instantly, and wounding Patrolman Mitchell three times who died the following day at St. Margaret Hospital in Hammond.

   The 50-year-old suspect, who was wounded, fled the scene but was later apprehended at his home nearby and died the next day. Another man, who killed the business patron, was arrested for that shooting.

   Patrolman Kucken was survived by his wife and five small children.