By Annie Sweeney and Fran Spielman
Chicago Sun-Times
CHICAGO — Together, the Cole family has dedicated decades to the city of Chicago as members of the Police Department.
On Thursday, family members gathered around Officer Densey Cole II, who was severely injured in an accident Wednesday. While he was pinned in his police vehicle after a three-vehicle crash, onlookers rifled through his belongings and stole his gun.
The brazen act angered Mayor Daley and Police Supt. Jody Weis, who called the action “reprehensible” and said Cole apparently suffered a spinal injury.
“Whoever would prey on a wounded officer, incapacitated, and take his weapon and then roll him around with a spinal injury to try to steal his wallet, is reprehensible to me,’' Weis said. “I mean, what type of individual would do that? It’s beyond imagination.”
Cole has been a Chicago Police officer for 16 years, and his parents were Chicago Police officers, officials said. The family gathered at Advocate Christ Hospital Medical Center on Thursday.
In a statement released late Thursday, Cole’s sister Candee expressed thanks to the staff caring for her brother, as well as the “Chicago Police Department family’’ and others for their well wishes.
“Densey has a true passion for police work, as it was his goal to wear the blue like his mother and father,’' Candee Cole said. “Just know that he truly enjoys serving the citizens of Chicago and all his brothers and sisters within the department.’'
Department officials also expressed concern that the removal of the gun from Cole’s holster had caused him to shift in a way that contributed to his injuries.
Chicago Police were interviewing a suspect and had recovered key evidence, but the investigation was continuing. Surveillance footage from cell phones and area businesses was being checked, and several officers were working the investigation.
Cole, assigned to the Morgan Park District, was responding to a call near 98th and Halsted just before noon Wednesday when he was involved in the three-car accident.
Four others were injured, and an 85-year-old driver was cited in the crash.
Copyright 2009 Chicago Sun-Times