Longtime Itasca police detective resigns

A 20-year Itasca police officer has resigned in the midst of criminal drunken driving charges and an internal department investigation.

Itasca Police Chief Scott Heher on Friday said he received notice of detective Emil Cargola's resignation on Tuesday. The resignation is effective Sept. 1.

Heher would not discuss details of the resignation.

"Our internal investigation is over, and (Cargola) is no longer with this police department," Heher said. "Detective Cargola's resignation has been tendered with this department."

Bartlett police arrested the off-duty Cargola at 9:50 p.m. March 3 after his department-owned 2007 Ford Taurus struck another car whose driver slowed to turn right.

According to the ticket issued, the arresting officer noted Cargola smelled of alcohol and had slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. Cargola declined to submit to a Breathalyzer test, causing his license to be suspended until Oct. 18.

The 42-year-old detective subsequently was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and driving too fast for conditions in a case still pending in DuPage County court.

Cargola's next scheduled court date is Oct. 29. However, prosecutors said they most likely will have to drop the misdemeanor charge against him for lack of evidence.

After his arrest, Cargola was placed on administrative paid leave pending the results of the internal department investigation. Previously, he served a 20-day suspension for a reckless driving conviction in 2003.

Calls to Cargola's cell phone were not returned Friday.