Suspension sought against Wheaton police officer

Wheaton Police Chief Mark Field is looking to suspend a veteran police officer who crashed her squad car into a house in September, officials said Tuesday.

However, city attorney Jim Knippen said a disciplinary hearing before the Wheaton Board of Fire and Police Commissioners can't happen until the city receives a key piece of evidence.

Knippen said during Tuesday night's city council meeting that an investigation has been completed into what caused the officer to leave the roadway about 4 a.m. Sept 24 and smash through the front door of a house on Wheaton's south side. No one was injured.

But city officials still don't know how much Wheaton must pay for repairs to the house. Knippen said the city's finance director has been trying for months to get that information from the homeowners' insurance provider.

"There has not been a week that's gone by that either the police department, the city manager or myself has not encouraged him to try to get that information so the disciplinary matter can proceed forward," Knippen said.

During the crash, the squad car traveled between a bush and tree, over the front step and came to a stop several feet inside the foyer. The front door and part of the surrounding wall were knocked over.

Knippen said the damage estimate is important information that police and fire commissioners will want before deciding what punishment, if any, should be given.

The commissioners will decide the matter because Field only has disciplinary authority to suspend an officer without pay for up to five days. According to Knippen, the chief has determined that a suspension greater than five days is warranted.

Knippen said he was speaking publicly about the case to dispel claims by some residents that the city is trying to hide the matter and not discipline the officer. He said it's "absolutely erroneous and incorrect" to think disciplinary action won't be taken.

In the meantime, a traffic citation hasn't been issued in connection to the crash.

Authorities have said they believe the officer might have fallen asleep while working a patrol shift that begins at 10:40 p.m. and ends at 7 a.m. There are no indications drugs or alcohol were involved.

City officials have said the officer's name won't be released unless there is a hearing. Wheaton isn't allowed to release the name of the officer because of a clause in the contract between the union and the department.