Police Officer Jay Brunkella, 39, was an 18-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, assigned to the 024 District Tactical Unit.
On September 22, 1986, Officer Brunkella was fatally shot when his partner’s gun accidentally discharged. The officers were at Stephen F. Gale Community Academy at 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace when they observed Allison Jenkins, 28, making two drug deals in front of the elementary school. A struggle ensued between Jenkins and Officer Brunkella’s partner when they both fell to the ground and officer’s gun discharged, shooting Officer Brunkella in the chest.
Officers confiscated 4.89 grams of marijuana from the offender. There were no available ambulances at the time of the shooting and Officer Brunkella was rushed to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in a squad car. He succumbed to his wounds on October 4, 1986.
Allison Jenkins was found guilty of “felony murder,” a law which holds an offender responsible for committing a forcible felony and setting forth a chain of events which leads to a person’s death. He was sentenced to serve 20 years in prison.
Officer Brunkella is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Tyler; mother, Shirley; and a brother, Gary.