Chicago cop suspended

A Chicago police officer facing misconduct charges after he was accused of confronting his wife and her male acquaintance while on duty has been relieved of his police powers. Police officials said 16-year veteran Donald Branch was placed on no-pay status pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Branch also appeared in court and was ordered to surrender his firearm owner's identification card as a condition of $150,000 bail. Prosecutors allege Branch was on a plainclothes detail in an unmarked car when he went to his wife's home. Assistant State's Attorney Michael Evans said Branch confronted his estranged wife and a male friend as they were leaving the home. He struck the woman and pointed his gun at the man, who fled, authorities said. Prosecutors said Branch and his wife have been separated for about a year and have three children.