Chicago Heights Alderman Charged With Battery
CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. (STMW) -- A Chicago Heights alderman is facing battery charges after allegedly breaking a co-worker's thumb in February during an argument at a Chicago Heights School District 170 warehouse, police said.
Ald. Richard J. Amadio (5th) was charged last week with battery in the incident that occurred Feb. 21, according to police. He is to appear in court April 17 at the Cook County courthouse in Markham.
The incident began when Amadio and a 62-year-old Peotone man were working at the warehouse, 1110 West End Ave. The man was holding an oil can when Amadio grabbed it and bent it back, causing the man's thumb to break, police said. The man said he did not want the incident investigated, according to a police report.
Amadio, who was elected alderman in 2011 on Mayor David Gonzalez's Unity Party slate, did not respond to multiple messages.
Gonzalez, in a written statement, vouched for Amadio's character as an alderman.
" ... this incident in no way reflects on Alderman Amadio's integrity or service on the Chicago Heights City Council, which has been exemplary," Gonzalez said. "On the council, (Amadio) has faithfully and diligently served his constituents and the taxpayers of Chicago Heights."
Amadio was a Chicago Heights firefighter before retiring in 2009. He is a former member of both the District 170 and Chicago Heights Park District boards.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2013. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
