Bail reduced for Naperville protester
Bail was reduced by $90,000 Monday for a Lisle man being held on felony disorderly conduct charges for filing a false police report against a Naperville officer.
Donald L. Pritchard, 49, of the 500 block of Maple Avenue, is charged with falsely accusing a Naperville police officer with trying to run him over with his squad car at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2 outside police headquarters at 1350 Aurora Ave. Authorities said Pritchard was protesting what he believes to be racism in the police department at the time.
DuPage County Judge George Bakalis reduced Pritchard's bail from $100,000 to $10,000 during a Monday morning hearing.
Cmdr. Jason Arres said Pritchard filed the sworn affidavit with him just after 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 2, prompting an internal investigation that included witness statements and a review of the 15-year veteran officer's dash camera recordings.
Arres said the footage showed the officer turning his vehicle around in the circle drive in front of the department.
"We take all complaints against our officers very seriously and investigate them thoroughly," Chief Robert Marshall said. "For an individual to come in and make a false accusation against a police officer is unacceptable and unlawful, and that person needs to be held accountable for his actions."
Paul Darrah, spokesman for DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, confirmed the investigation led to charges being filed against Pritchard.
"Once the footage from the dash cam was reviewed, that completely disproved (Pritchard's) claims that the officer was trying to run him over," Darrah said Monday.
Pritchard added additional charges on Jan. 27 when he surrendered to police on the warrant.
Darrah said Pritchard was also charged with misdemeanor resisting or obstructing a peace officer during his arrest.
"He pulled away and refused to be handcuffed," Darrah said. "Pritchard was then physically moved to the holding area where he refused to cooperate with booking process."
Pritchard is next due in court on Feb. 22 before Bakalis.