Trial Begins For Police Commander Accused Of Sticking Gun Down Man's Throat
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago Police commander accused of a serious crime started the day with warm welcomes but that's where the pleasantries end because this cop allegedly stuck a gun into someone's mouth.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports during his testimony under cross examination, Ricky Williams, the alleged victim of the assault, struggled with his account of what happened. He used the phrase, "I don't remember" more than 30 times.
Glenn Evans, one of former top cop Garry McCarthy's favorite district commanders arrived for trial to face charges of official misconduct and aggravated battery. Inside he shook hands with news photographers, an unusual moment. His reputation as a no nonsense, aggressive crime fighter was evident during a squad car ride along in 2013.
"Letting a lot of these gangbangers intimidate them, but that's all going to change," Evans said then.
Now he is a defendant in criminal court, the prosecutor telling the judge, "there is no legal justification to do what he did. He crossed the line and broke the law."
25-year-old Rickey Williams testified that Evans, after a foot chase, shoved the barrel of his service revolver deep into his throat, pushed a stun gun against his groin and sentenced him with death.
"Took his weapon out, shoved it down my throat and took his Taser and put it to my groin," Williams testified.
Prosecutors say Rickey Williams' DNA was found on the gun barrel. But Evans' lawyer said that physical evidence was tainted by the way police handled it. The attorney said the investigation conducted by the Independent Police Review Authority was fatally flawed.
This bench trial will go into its second day Wednesday, with DNA experts on the stand who will attempt to link the suspect's DNA with the barrel of the accused cop's gun.
