DUI hearing starts for Kildeer cop

Kildeer Police Chief Jeffrey Lilly is trying to fire an officer accused of driving 101 mph while drunk and off duty on Rand Road in far northwest Lake County.

Officer Suzan Jackson's disciplinary hearing before the Kildeer Police Commission began Thursday night. It'll continue March 20, when Lake County Sheriff's Sgt. Curt Gregory, who arrested Jackson, is expected to testify.

Jackson, 42, has been on administrative leave with pay since her Jan. 5 arrest in unincorporated Lake County near Rand and Route 134.

Lilly testified Thursday that, during his internal investigation, Jackson said she drove 70 mph in a 55 mph zone the night of her arrest. A sheriff's police report states Jackson was traveling 101 mph, or 46 mph over the posted speed limit on Rand.

Jackson also told the chief she drank two whiskey and colas earlier in the evening before getting behind the wheel of her 2004 Ford Mustang, he testified.

It's alleged Jackson violated several Kildeer Police Department rules and regulations. The police commission will decide what, if any, disciplinary measures should be taken against her.

Sheriff's police said Jackson was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving and speeding just after midnight Jan. 5. Police said she refused to take Breathalyzer and field sobriety tests.

Lilly's complaint accuses her of violation of law, interfering with a police investigation, conduct unbecoming an officer, neglect of duty and attempting to derive private benefit from departmental association. Lilly said he's seeking Jackson's dismissal.

Jackson can't perform her Kildeer police job because her driver's license has been summarily suspended, Lilly said.

She was represented at Thursday's hearing by her police officer brother, David Marks, not an attorney. Lawyer John Kelly worked the case for Kildeer police.

Lilly said Jackson has been a Kildeer cop for almost nine years. She was a Richmond police officer before coming to Kildeer, the chief said.