North Chicago aldermen push for results of city probe in Hanna death

North Chicago aldermen push for results of city probe in Hanna death



By Judy Masterson
jmasterson@stmedianetwork.com
Last Modified: Apr 17, 2012 09:20PM

The family of Darrin “Dagwood” Hanna and others who attended a meeting of the North Chicago City Council on Monday night are demanding results from an internal investigation launched in early January into his Nov. 6 arrest.

Hanna, 45, who was immediately hospitalized after he was taken into custody for domestic battery, died a week later. His pregnant girlfriend allegedly told police he had tried to drown her by dunking her head in a cold bath.

The case resulted in a four-month-long investigation by the Illinois State Police Integrity Unit and a finding by the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office that arresting officers used reasonable force to subdue an allegedly belligerent Hanna.

Hanna’s family, who filed a civil wrongful death suit in federal court Dec. 13, point to injuries inflicted by police including a laceration to his face, listed as “severe” on a medical report, broken ribs and other injuries, and autopsy findings that list physical and Taser restraint as contributing factors to his death.

Mayor Leon Rockingham, acting under pressure, put seven officers involved on desk duty shortly after the incident and placed former Chief of Police Mike Newsome on paid administrative leave. Newsome resigned in February.

Third Ward Ald. Valerie DeVost and 7th Ward Ald. Charles January publicly urged Rockingham to remove the officers until the internal investigation is complete.

“They should have their badges and IDs taken from them,” January said. “They should not be in our city. They should not be driving our squad cars.”

Rockingham said the investigation needs more time to re-interview officers after the release of audio on which Hanna can be heard screaming, “Don’t kill me.”

“My decision has to be whether these officers did anything wrong in terms of our policies and procedures,” said Rockingham, who has vowed to discipline any officers found to have abused their authority.

DeVost urged the council to strip Rockingham of his powers and vote to remove the officers.

“It’s been six months,” she said. “Proof is proof. Evidence is evidence. We need to do it today. I’m afraid a riot might break out.”

But City Attorney Chuck Smith said that under an agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police and the city, only the mayor has the power to discipline or relieve officers of duty for legitimate causes.

DeVost countered: “As a voting body, we have the power to make council decisions. “

“We’re all committed to justice for Darrin Hanna and everyone else,” said 2nd Ward Ald. Bonny Mayfield, “but justice is not always done in the time frame we think it should be done.”


http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/11967328-418/north-chicago-aldermen-push-for-results-of-city-probe-in-hanna-death.html

Editor's note: Another cover-up by the Lake County Coroner's office and North Chicago. Jessie Jackson...where are you? Al Sharpton...where are you?  North Chicago is worse than 1930's Alabama!  Lucius Verenus, Schoolmaster, ProbateSharks.com