Police Officer William Coleman Cook

William Coleman Cook

Officer William Cook was shot and killed after he and other officers responded a shots fired call at 2:11 pm, just four minutes before he was to return to the station to end his shift. Officer Cook and other members of his squad were only one block away and responded to the scene, although they were not dispatched.

When they arrived at the scene one of the officers jumped into the suspect's car and attempted to disarm him but was shot in the head. The officer fell out of the car as Officer Cook returned fire, striking the suspect.

Thinking the suspect was dead, the other officers immediately went to the aid of the wounded officer. The suspect suddenly rose and opened fire, striking Officer Cook in the side, in-between the panels of his vest, and the third officer in the chest. As the suspect exited his vehicle a detective arrived on the scene and immediately exchanged shots with him, fatally wounding the suspect.

Officer Cook had been with the agency for six years. He was survived by his wife, mother, and sister.