Ex-cop, suspect, rues newfound infamy

BOLINGBROOK, Ill., Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A former Bolingbrook, Ill., police officer says he has been shunned since being named a suspect in his wife's disappearance.

Drew Peterson, whose wife, Stacey, vanished Oct. 28, said friends and former police colleagues have refused to associate with him since he was named a suspect in the possible homicide of his wife, the Chicago Tribune reported Friday.

"It's like they had this vigil for Stacy, and the next thing you know there's a pinata with my face on it," he said. "All these policemen who were my friends, and I would have jumped in front of a bullet for, don't even talk to me."

Peterson, who said he believes his wife disappeared because she ran off with another man, has denied any wrongdoing. He is considered a suspect, but has not been charged with a crime.

"I'd rather be a celebrity for something good," Peterson said. "They snuck me in and out for the 'Today' show. I remember sitting in the New York airport, and all of a sudden there was my face on TV."