Trial of 3 cops to continue

The judge presiding over the bench trial of three Chicago police officers accused of beating two men at a tavern denied defense motions for directed verdicts of not guilty after the prosecution rested its case.

Cook County Circuit Judge Thomas Gainer Jr. ruled Thursday that the prosecution had presented enough evidence for the trial of Officers Paul Powers, Gregory Barnes and Sgt. Jeffery Planey to continue.

The three officers, who were off-duty at the time, are accused of attacking two brothers while they played pool with friends. The fight was caught on tape by surveillance cameras at the Jefferson Tap & Grille.

Video played throughout the trial shows the alleged victims, brothers Barry and Aaron Gilfand, and their friend playing pool when officers suddenly surrounded them and interrupted the game.