I am researching a tragic incident which occurred in Riverside and/or Berwyn, IL (Cook County/Chicago burbs) the night of April 25th, 1920.
In a case of mistaken identity, Off. John Francis Cappel of the Riverside (IL) Police Dept. shot and and killed Off. Fred Kuncl of the Berwyn (IL) Police Dept. The shooting took place on Harlem Ave., which separates the communities of the Village of Riverside & City of Berwyn, at approximately 34th St. Apparently each officer mistook the other for a "suspicious character" they had both been "called out" to locate. Both were in plainclothes and didn't know each other and when Kuncl didn't respond to orders from Cappel and, allegedly attempted to draw his pistol, Cappel shot him. Kuncl died the next afternoon (Apr. 26, 1920). Cappel was exonerated of any wrongdoing at a coroner's inquest.
If anyone has information of this incident and/or either of the officers involved (or Chief Orlando P. Tidd of the Riverside, P.D.), I would certainly appreciate hearing from you.
Please feel free to contact me with questions.
Thank You