23 Facts About Frank McErlane

Frank McErlane was a Prohibition-era Irish-American organized crime figure.

Frank McErlane led the Saltis-McErlane Gang, allied with Rusyn American gangster Joseph Saltis and the Johnny Torrio-Al Capone led Chicago Outfit, against rival Irish-American bootleggers, the Southside O'Donnell Gang.

Frank McErlane is credited with introducing the Thompson submachine gun to Chicago's underworld.

Shortly after the start of Prohibition, McErlane began running a gang with partner Joseph "Polack Joe" Saltis, operating in the "Back of the Yards" section of the South Side.

Frank McErlane carried a rosary in his pockets along with a pistol.

Frank McErlane was known to drink too much of what he sold and frequently slip into alcoholic psychosis.

Frank McErlane let Morrie have it twice more and then let me have it again in the other side.

Frank McErlane opens the door and kicks Morrie out onto the road.

Frank McErlane shoves and I light in the ditch by the road.

Frank McErlane was eventually arrested but he beat both this case and charges in the double homicide of George Bucher and George Meegan, who were riddled with bullets while driving home on September 17,1923.

Frank McErlane was not charged; indeed, he was about to make history.

Some crime historians believe Frank McErlane acquired his "Tommy Gun" from North Side gang leader Dean O'Banion, who had purchased a shipment of submachine guns in Denver, Colorado shortly before his November 1924 murder.

At any rate, Frank McErlane was to use one in his next attempt to kill Spike O'Donnell.

Frank McErlane was suspected of shooting up Martin "Buff" Costello's bar on February 10,1926, wounding Sheldon gangsters William Wilson and John "Mitters" Foley.

Frank McErlane was noted for showing up for one court appearance drunk; the jailer leading him was equally intoxicated.

Frank McErlane yanked an automatic from under his pillow and returned their fire.

Frank McErlane had been winged three times in the melee and shrugged off questions as to who shot him.

On June 8,1931, an intoxicated Frank McErlane swept a South Shore Drive block with shotgun blasts, shooting at imaginary foes.

On October 8,1931, Frank McErlane was driving his car with common-law wife Elfrieda Rigus and her two German Shepherds in the back seat.

Tired of the yapping dogs, Frank McErlane shot and killed them as well.

Frank McErlane thus retired to a lavishly furnished houseboat located on the Illinois River in Beardstown, Illinois.

Frank McErlane died at the age of 38 on October 8,1932, a year to the day after he killed Elfrieda Rigus.

Frank McErlane was buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois.