Maywood police officer fatally shot

October 24, 2006 (MAYWOOD) (WLS) -- A U.S. marshals task force is now involved in the investigation into the fatal shooting of a Maywood police officer. Officer Thomas Wood, 37, was gunned down inside his police vehicle Monday night.

Wood was found slumped over the steering wheel of his police-issued SUV at Erie Street and 6th Avenue around 11:20 p.m. The medical examiner said he was shot several times in the upper body.

"We heard some shots and a few minutes later we saw the policeman outside. We saw the car stopping. We could see the police officer slumped over in the car," said Edward Bowman, witness.

Police have spoken with several people -- all possible witnesses -- about the murder. No charges have been filed in the case.

"Persons of interest have been questioned. Investigators are continuing the process of interviewing witnesses and following up on possible leads," said Chief Elvia Williams, Maywood Police.

A U.S. Marshals Task Force joined the Maywood Police Department and West Suburban Crimes Task Force in the investigation. One family raised concerns about how the investigation was carried out. They claim officers kicked down their door Monday night or early Tuesday morning.

"My daughter was crying and stuff. I just told them, you guys need to get out because I have kids here. Get out. They just went walking through the house," said Jennie Bowman, resident.

"I was shocked. I don't know. I was totally shocked. They didn't even knock. Without warning they just kicked the door in. I mean, I know they are trying to find out what was going on, but it could have been done in a better matter. They could have just knocked and we would have opened the door," said Edward Bowman, resident, who said Wood patrolled the block often and participated in the community policing meetings.

"He would come by and make sure was everything all right or do we have any incidents or anything like that, because there were some problems in the neighborhood. He would come by. He was a pretty good guy," said Edward Bowman.

Maywood police said Wood and his police dog assisted narcotics investigations in the gang ridden suburb, but at this point there is no reason to believe the shooting was an act of retaliation.

"We have no motive at this time. It is just a senseless killing," said Persia Allen, Maywood Police Department.

Wood's canine partner, a malinois shepherd, was in the police car during the shooting but was not injured. Wood is believed to be the first officer killed in the line of duty in the community.

"My heart is saddened by the tragic incident that did take place. My heart goes out to the family and to the other police officers who feel the same thing that we all feel," said Mayor Henderson Yarbrough, Maywood.

"Anytime some one can take a human life, taking a human life given by God, it hurts my heart. It is hurting me deeply that my co-worker is gone," said Officer Allen.

Wood's widow, Helene, who did not talk on camera, said family came first for the police officer. They have five children, ranging in ages from 6 to 17-years old. Wood, who has served on the Maywood police force since 1997, also worked as a part-time security officer at Proviso East High School in Maywood, where his nickname was Robocop. Before moving to Maywood, Wood worked for the Schiller Park and Stone Park police departments.

"He was awesome. You can ask anybody," said Helene. "He treated me like a queen."

"With five kids she's gonna need everything. She's going to need all the support she can get," said Alberta Quitter, family friend

Sixteen-year-old Sundjata O'Neil said Wood, nicknamed "Robo-Cop," was well liked in the neighborhood and at school:

"He was not negative, but maybe he would be walking on the street and say y'all read a book or say something positive. He was a really good guy," said O'Neil.

But others say Wood's devotion to his job angered gang members and drug dealers.

"He was trying to go after these guys all the time. He was stopping guys on the street, each corner, you know," said Al Aliaga, neighborhood business owner.

His family plans to hold a memorial service on Thursday.

During a news conference Tuesday, Maywood investigators asked the public for help finding the shooter. Those with information have been asked to call the Maywood Police Department at 708-450-4409.

Memorial fund

Thomas T. Wood Family Memorial Fund
c/o First Suburban Bank
150 S. Fifth Ave.
Maywood, IL 60153

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