Former Joliet cop arrested for allegedly beating a Yorkville woman
JOLIET — A police officer who was fired for allegedly beating a woman last month now faces criminal charges.
Tom O’Connor was arrested Tuesday on charges of aggravated battery, battery and official misconduct for allegedly punching Shantique Jackson repeatedly during the Feb. 9 altercation at Star Inn, 2219 W. Jefferson St.
Jackson reportedly called for police to report an earlier fight with her on-off boyfriend, after catching him with another woman at the motel. O’Connor responded and told Jackson she’d have to make a report in Yorkville where the alleged fight occurred.
As things escalated between Jackson and her former lover, O’Connor reportedly grabbed her, slammed her to the hood of a car in the parking lot and punched her in the face several times. The incident was recorded by surveillance cameras.
Chief Mike Trafton said an internal investigation of excessive force by O’Connor began that day. O’Connor, a four-year officer, was placed on administrative duties with his police powers removed.
“Due to contractual requirements, an administrative hearing was conducted based on the findings of the fulland thorough Internal Affairs investigation (four days later),” Trafton said. “During that hearing, Officer O’Connor’s employment with the Joliet Police Department was terminated for excessive force and failure to cooperate with an Internal Affairs investigation.”
Police report the criminal investigation into O’Connor’s alleged actions began at the same time, with the case being assigned to a special prosecutor from the Attorney General’s office.
After the special prosecutor obtained the arrest warrant Tuesday, O’Connor was arrested and released on $25,000 bond.
“From the very beginning, the department treated this matter with the utmost seriousness both administratively and criminally,” Trafton said. “Police officers, like all citizens, must obey the law. Officer O’Connor’s actions are in no way reflective of the professionalism displayed by the men and women of the Joliet Police Department on a daily basis.”