Suspect Charged In Beating Of Off-Duty Chicago Police Sergeant

CHICAGO (AP) -- Prosecutors say a man has been charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon in connection with the beating of an off-duty Chicago police sergeant who allegedly uttered a racial slur.

State's attorney spokeswoman Sally Daly says the sergeant and two other officers were returning to their car in a Loop garage when the altercation began. The trio had visited Chicago's law department on Oct.30 to discuss a pending federal civil-rights lawsuit filed against them. They were on a garage elevator with several blacks when the sergeant allegedly used the slur.

During the fight with Joseph E. Baskins of Country Club Hills, the sergeant pulled his gun. Another man kicked the gun away. The 28-year-old Baskins, who has been convicted of burglary and resisting a peace officer, allegedly picked up the gun and ran.

Attorney Max Solomon represents a friend of Baskins. He says Baskin was trying to prevent the sergeant from firing his weapon. Baskins is being held without bond.

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