Rasaan Shannon, 22, Charged with Stealing Police Officer Densey Cole's Gun as He Laid Critically Injured and Pinned inside his Police SUV

It is unconscionable that someone could seek to capitalize off the injury of anyone, much less an injured police officer. Rasaan Shannon, 22, has been arrested and charged with strong arm robbery, disarming a peace officer and unlawful use of a weapon by a felon. He allegedly stole the gun from the police officer, Densey Cole II, who was critically injured and pinned inside his police SUV last Wednesday. Of course, he should have known that he would have been caught, but nonetheless, this dirtbag just couldn't help himself. He just had to steal the gun and later claim he "found" it. His brazen actions are reprehensible and should be severely punished to send the right message that what was done to that officer will not be tolerated one iota. His bond was set at $300,000 Saturday during a bond hearing in front of Cook County Judge Donald Panarese. With any luck, he won't be able to post the 10 percent and will sit in jail until his trial is due to start.

Police said Officer Cole was responding to a burglary in progress when he was injured in a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of West 98th and South Halsted streets about 11:45 a.m. Wednesday. Four other people were also injured in the wreck. While he was pinned in his vehicle after the crash, onlookers rifled through his belongings and Shannon allegedly stole his gun. Edward Blackledge, 85, of the 9700 block of South Emerald Avenue, was cited with failure to reduce speed and failure to yield to a vehicle entering an intersection, police said.

"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,'' police Supt. Jody 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 also officers, officials said. Source: Chicago Sun Times

Department officials have 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. So, this alleged criminal may have exacerbated the injuries of this police officer. Shameful and reprehensible. Since he is a convicted felon, the judge should sentence him to the maximum allowable under the law.

Hat tip to Lee, a commenter to another blog commentary, for sending me the link to this story!