Kenneth Richard Novak Jr. was a 27-year-old Lansing, Illinois, police officer who was fatally shot on April 8, 1992. He was investigating a suspicious vehicle at 172nd Street and Oak Avenue at about 10:00 PM when he questioned the vehicle’s female occupant, who gave false identification. As Novak returned to his squad car a male suspect emerged from nearby woods and opened fire, striking Novak and another officer.

Novak, who had served with the Lansing Police Department for over eight years—beginning as a cadet in December 1983 and later working as a part-time officer, full-time dispatcher and certified paramedic—died of his wounds at The Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana despite wearing a bullet-resistant vest. The male shooter, who had been under house arrest for aggravated battery and allegedly stole a car with the female accomplice after fleeing Indianapolis, was killed when the other officer returned fire. The female accomplice was later convicted of attempted murder of the wounded officer and sentenced to 27 years, but acquitted of first-degree murder in Novak’s death.

Anyone who knew Officer Novak, his service at the Lansing Police Department, or the events that night is asked to share information.