Suspect in police slaying served time for 1990 attempt to shoot officer

A South Side man was charged Monday evening with the weekend murder of Chicago Police Officer Nathaniel Taylor Jr.

Court records show that the suspect, Lamar Cooper, was convicted of attempted murder nearly two decades ago for shooting at another Chicago police officer just blocks from Sunday morning's murder scene.

Cooper was charged with first-degree murder, felony weapons and cocaine possession in connection with the fatal shooting of Taylor as the officer tried to serve a search warrant early Sunday at Cooper's home, said Cook County states attorney spokesman John Gorman.

Police found narcotics, two guns and a bullet-proof vest inside Cooper's home as well as narcotics in his mouth.
Taylor, 39, a 14-year Police Department veteran, died of multiple gunshot wounds Sunday evening. Funeral arrangements are pending.

Cooper, 37, of the 7900 block of South Clyde Avenue is listed in critical but stable condition in Stroger Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds after police allegedly returned fire during the incident.

Cooper was convicted of attempted murder of a Chicago police officer in 1990 and served about 3 years in prison.

According to court records, a Chicago police officer approached Cooper at 7940 S. Paxton Ave. on July 11, 1990, as part of an investigation. As he ran down an alley and the officer gave chase, Cooper turned and fired a handgun three times at the officer, according to the records. Cooper was arrested in the backyard of the same residence where Sunday's search warrant was conducted, police said.

On Monday, Chicago Police Supt. Jodi Weis visited the Taylor family home and presented a check for $50,000 from the Hundred Club of Cook County, a charitable group that assists the surviving families of law enforcement officers.

"It's tough to take," Weis said. " . . . We're dealing with people who have no respect for life. It's unfortunate."