Community turns out to help wounded Bensenville police officer Steven Kotlewski
Community turns out to help wounded Bensenville police officer Steven Kotlewski
Police said Officer Steven Kotlewski was shot eight times in his leg, back and arm after responding to a domestic dispute between a mother and son on Nov. 6. When officers arrived, prosecutors say Kotlewski, 38 and a father of three, was seen crawling to a stairwell. Police say he never drew his own gun. Nate Rodgers reports.
BENSENVILLE, Illinois - A day full of events to help out wounded Bensenville police officer Steven Kotlewski attracted people from across the community.
Before a concert with "America’s Got Talent" star Austin Edwards, Kotlewski told the crowd over the phone: "Everything you’ve given me is going to my kids and I can’t express any more gratitude."
"You can see the response from the community appreciating him, he’s a guy a lot of people know on a personal level," said supporter Joe Vallez.
Police said Kotlewski was shot eight times in his leg, back and arm after responding to a domestic dispute between a mother and son on Nov. 6. When officers arrived, prosecutors say Kotlewski, 38 and a father of three, was seen crawling to a stairwell. Police say he never drew his own gun. The suspect reportedly suffers from mental challenges.
"He's got a long road ahead, multiple surgeries, but he’s geared up to go home," said Bensenville Village President Frank Desimone.
A blood drive was held downtown at 8am, 90 people donated. A candlelight prayer vigil also took place where more people came to express their support. Donations made at Saturday’s free concert will support medical expenses and other family needs.