Police Officer Daniel J. Doffyn was shot and killed when he surprised burglary suspects at an apartment complex.

At 3:30 in the afternoon, Dan Doffyn and other officers were heading for their squad cars at the Austin District police station. They were about to begin their shift when they heard a radio report of a burglary in progress at a three-story, 15-unit apartment building directly across the street from the police station. A number of officers rushed to the scene, including Dan Doffyn.

They arrived to the sound of breaking glass. This alerted the officers to an escape attempt out an apartment window. Officer Doffyn ran to a gangway alongside the building and caught one of the suspects just as he was coming out the window. He was preparing to make the arrest when a second suspect, who took aim at the officer with a Tec-9 automatic handgun and fired, surprised him. Officer Doffyn was hit twice in areas not covered by his bulletproof vest. He died five hours later during surgery at Cook County Hospital.

Another officer was also shot during the gun battle, but despite a serious leg injury, he was still able to fire his weapon and critically wound the shooter. When the shooting had stopped, three suspects were in custody; all gang members with extensive criminal records.

Police Officer Daniel Doffyn was on the force for 8 months. He is survived by his 8-year-old daughter and his parents.