15-year-old Donald Pennington says he was brutally beaten police after being arrested for jaywalking. Calumet City says it will investigate the allegation.
Cal City officials expected a lawsuit in this alleged police brutality case...but they did not expect it this soon.
In fact, only Thursday did officials in the south suburb announce their own investigation into an incident that threatens to divide their community.
As evidenced by the march outside police headquarters Wednesday night tensions are rising in Calumet City. The demonstrators are demanding justice for fifteen year Donald Pennington who says he was severely beaten by a officer at police headquarters after being taken there because of a jaywalking arrest:
"A thorough investigation of this incident will occur by the Calumet City police department internal affairs. I've also asked the director of the office of professional standards to do an external investigation of what has occurred," said Calumet City Mayor Michelle Qualkinbush
The mayor was backed by south suburban lawmakers and ministers who appealed for calm.
"The clergy men of this city will be informing them of each step of this investigation," said Rev. James Meeks
Meanwhile in Chicago lawyers for Donald Pennington announced they have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit. They allege Cal City officer Louis Picicco used excessive force while several other cops watched as the law was broken.
"No one stepped in to stop the beating that Don was receiving at that time," said attorney Emily Sherrer
Despite the investigation and the lawsuit officer Picicco's duty status has not changed.
"At this point we see no reason to change his duty status. We'll conduct the preliminary examination and should a decision on the duty status need to be changed in the future it will be addressed," said Calumet City Police Chief Patrick O'Meara.
O'Meara estimated the investigation--conducted by his department--could take 30 to 45 days. The reverend Meeks wants results much sooner.
"So I do think the investigation has to take place as expeditiously as possible," Rev. Meeks said.
Calumet City--which is 52% African American--has a 90% white police force.
The mayor says there are efforts to hire more black police officers...but said the department's racial make-up has not been a problem.
"I don't believe it's a problem, just something we do want to accomplish," the mayor said.
Reverend Meeks and state representative David Miller vowed to expand the investigation possibly along with state police if Calumet City officials move too slowly with the local effort.