Chicago cop may sue over his special treatment.

The story from the Tribune here.

"Last month, Chicago Ridge police detained off-duty Chicago Police Officer William Singer after he jokingly displayed his handgun to a mall worker without identifying himself as an officer, authorities said."

"After his employment was verified, police released him as a courtesy, authorities said, but warned him to show better judgment." Ok, no big deal right? A Chicago cop getti--a cop getting special treatment from other cops. No big deal right? Happens all the time, teachers protect teachers, cops protect cops, EMTs protect EMTs, politicians protect politicians. Ok, now that it's settled then all should be good and well right? It shouldn't be after you flash a gun, but it is. Then Chicago Ridge police chief Tim Baldermann received "a notice from a law firm representing Singer and his wife, claiming emotional distress as a result of the incident." Complete crap if you ask me. While not yet suing, the Trib reported this, "On July 31, Chicago Ridge police got a notice that the law firm run by Ed Vrdolyak was representing Singer and his wife, Lisa, in their claim. Singer's attorneys have not filed a suit, thus far only requesting that evidence be preserved and insurance information be forwarded to them." Evidence in gun crimes, flashing or otherwise, should be preserved anyway in my opinion. However it is very puzzling that Officer Singer would feel "emotional distress" as a result of this. Getting detained can be quite stressful and embarrassing, but shouldn't a cop know better than to flash a gun in the middle of a mall? Or, is it just me? Apparently though I am not the only person puzzled by this course of eventsas "Chicago Ridge Mayor Eugene Siegel, a former assistant chief with the Cook County sheriff's department, said: "That doesn't sound normal. You'd think he'd be grateful for getting a break."

"Baldermann said he backs his officers and believes Singer was ultimately responsible." And I too believe Singer was the only person responsible for this puzzling and strange chain of events.