I hate to see anyone shot and killed, but when a cop is killed trying to do his job, that is truly sad. Well, Nathaniel Taylor Jr., known by his friends as “Nate,” was killed by a convicted felon as officers attempted to execute a search warrant, police said. Police shot suspect Lamar Cooper, 37, who was in critical condition Sunday night. I hate to say it, but that scumbag wasn’t worth the loss of life of the cop.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, undercover officers waited outside the home of a Southeast Side drug suspect early Sunday to try to nab him outside, which is considered generally safer than approaching the front door. The surveillance ended with a Taylor was fatally shot on the street, struck by the suspect’s fire as the man pulled up in his vehicle, police said.
Several sources told the Sun Times that the officers announced they were police, and Cooper opened fire. He had two packets of drugs in his mouth, possibly cocaine, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence, sources said. The suspect’s handgun was recovered at the scene, police said.
Taylor was hit three times, once in the head, another source said. Police fired back, striking the suspect — a felon with an attempted murder conviction, the source said. Drugs, weapons and a bullet-proof vest were found inside the man’s home, a police source said. What a scumbag!
The officer, a 14 year veteran, was assigned to investigate gang intelligence and was detailed to narcotics. “He was loved by his partners and his teammates,” said Leo Schmitz, acting deputy chief of the Organized Crime Division. Taylor, who was one of three Chicago officers to be killed since July, died about 6 p.m. at the hospital.
Police were watching Cooper because of intelligence suggesting he was selling drugs late at night into early morning. His brick Georgian home had what appeared to be six security cameras affixed to front, side and rear exterior walls. A sign on the front lawn warned the premises are protected by a burglar alarm, and a Neighborhood Watch placard was in the front window. Three signs on a tall fence surrounding the yard announced the home is guarded by security dogs. Cooper also has convictions for burglary, unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm, police said.
According to the Sun Times, Cooper and his wife, Octavia often visited an area mosque. Another sorry excuse that they will no-doubt use to say that he is God-fearing. Please. The man is a scumbag and he will be taken off the streets for murder. Several neighbors said Cooper lives in the home with his wife, a 2-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old stepson, and makes a living working construction and doing odd jobs.
According to public records, Cooper was first convicted of burglary in 1989 and got 4 years’ probation. In 1991, he was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 6 years in prison. He was again convicted of burglary in 2003 and sentenced to six years in prison, but was released late the next year. I hope they throw the book at him. As a parent, what kind of example is he setting for his daughter and stepson? He murdered a man doing his job and he has snatched him away from his family.
Filed under: Chicago Police, Lamar Cooper, Nathaniel Taylor
Black Political Thought 