Robert H. Perkins was a 45-year-old African American officer with the Chicago Police Department who was shot and killed on March 7, 1992. He was questioning a burglary suspect in front of 6059 South Wabash Avenue when an altercation left him with two gunshot wounds; he died of his injuries. The suspect, who was resisting arrest at the scene, was apprehended shortly afterward and later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Perkins is survived by three daughters. The case attracted significant attention because it involved the death of a police officer in the line of duty and led to a full prosecution resulting in a life sentence for the killer. His service and sacrifice are remembered by colleagues and the community.