Post by WaTcHeR on Sept 9, 2006 16:09:06 GMT -5
09.09.2006 - The Des Plaines Police Department is reviewing a DUI arrest involving one of its top officers.
Watch Cmdr. Matthew R. Hicks, 41, was charged with driving under the influence Aug. 23 in Elgin, police said.
Witnesses told police the car Hicks was driving crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 31 near Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin about 8 p.m. Aug. 23, Elgin police said.
Patrons at the casino reported to police that Hicks, who was off duty, may have been drunk, police said.
Elgin police said they followed Hicks’ black Pontiac Grand Am as he drove east on Interstate 90. They activated their sirens, but Hicks continued driving until traffic slowed along the tollway and police pulled him over.
Hicks was released after he posted 10 percent of a $1,000 recognizance bond. He is due in Kane County court on Sept. 26, Elgin police officer Tamara Welter said.
Hicks also was cited for improper lane usage.
Welter said Hicks listed his occupation as police officer when he was booked, but never said anything to the officer at the time of the arrest.
“His status as a police officer never became a part of the arrest,” Welter said.
Des Plaines Police Chief James Prandini said Friday that the department is conducting its own investigation into the incident. He said Hicks himself informed him of the arrest.
The department will look at disciplinary action.
“It’s disappointing (that) a person in his position put himself in this position,” Prandini said.
Prandini wouldn’t comment further on the possible disciplinary action Hicks faces from his own department or on whether Hicks received a Breathalyzer test, saying the arrest was being handled by Elgin police.
Hicks was promoted from sergeant to watch commander in June. He couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.
www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=225882
Watch Cmdr. Matthew R. Hicks, 41, was charged with driving under the influence Aug. 23 in Elgin, police said.
Witnesses told police the car Hicks was driving crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 31 near Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin about 8 p.m. Aug. 23, Elgin police said.
Patrons at the casino reported to police that Hicks, who was off duty, may have been drunk, police said.
Elgin police said they followed Hicks’ black Pontiac Grand Am as he drove east on Interstate 90. They activated their sirens, but Hicks continued driving until traffic slowed along the tollway and police pulled him over.
Hicks was released after he posted 10 percent of a $1,000 recognizance bond. He is due in Kane County court on Sept. 26, Elgin police officer Tamara Welter said.
Hicks also was cited for improper lane usage.
Welter said Hicks listed his occupation as police officer when he was booked, but never said anything to the officer at the time of the arrest.
“His status as a police officer never became a part of the arrest,” Welter said.
Des Plaines Police Chief James Prandini said Friday that the department is conducting its own investigation into the incident. He said Hicks himself informed him of the arrest.
The department will look at disciplinary action.
“It’s disappointing (that) a person in his position put himself in this position,” Prandini said.
Prandini wouldn’t comment further on the possible disciplinary action Hicks faces from his own department or on whether Hicks received a Breathalyzer test, saying the arrest was being handled by Elgin police.
Hicks was promoted from sergeant to watch commander in June. He couldn’t be reached for comment Friday.
www.dailyherald.com/story.asp?id=225882