Retired Chicago police officer, TSA worker killed in West Side shooting

A retired Chicago police officer who was also an ordained minister and Transportation Security Administration explosives specialist was shot and killed Thursday morning in West Garfield Park, authorities said.

The 73-year-old man was found around 11:30 a.m. with multiple gunshot wounds in the 4300 block of West Monroe Street, Chicago police said.

He was transported to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was identified as Larry Neuman of West Garfield Park by the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

“He spent his entire career protecting our city and spent his retirement as a reverend, speaking out against violent crime plaguing our neighborhoods,” Supt. Larry Snelling said Thursday during the Chicago Police Board meeting at police headquarters. “Please keep his family in your thoughts.”

One person was arrested at the scene of the shooting and was being questioned by detectives, police said.

Neuman was a bomb technician who retired in 2010. He worked with the police department for 28 years.

A specialist in transportation security explosives, Neuman joined the TSA in 2010 and has worked at O'Hare and Midway airports, an agency spokesperson said. In his current position, Neuman trained screening personnel at both airports to detect explosives and other potential threats.

“We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” the spokesperson said.

Neuman was a “pillar” of his beloved West Garfield Park community, according to Pastor Paul Sims of St. Michael Missionary Baptist Church. Neuman had been a member of the church for 30 years.

“He was the kindest man you knew. There was nothing Larry Neuman wouldn't do for anyone. If you needed it and he didn't have it, he would go get it for you.

Neuman was an ordained preacher and was on the ministry staff at the church, 4106 W. Monroe St., which is near his home, Sims said. Neuman loved sharing his wisdom with young people, never hesitating to give advice.

“He would stop and talk to everyone,” Sims said. “He would encourage you, no matter what you did in life, no matter what it was, he would stop and talk to someone.”

Neuman was a Marine veteran who served in the Vietnam War, Sims said.

“He was a family man, he was a grandfather, he loved his grandchildren, he loved helping me at church with the young people,” Sims said. “He was a great man, he was a great person.”