Judge slashes $7.9 million award against police

A federal judge has slashed the $7.9 million jury award a woman won after Chicago police interrogated her for 53 hours with little food and water.

Judge Ruben Castillo said in his Jan. 26 opinion that Rachelle Jackson was entitled to a large amount. An officer shouted at her and called her a prostitute during the interrogation.

But Castillo cut the amount to $1.9 million.

The case stemmed from the 2002 crash of a squad car carrying two policewomen. A passer-by ran off with the gun of an unconscious officer.

Jackson held the other officer. Police said she prevented the officer from chasing the fleeing man. Jackson said she was helping the officer from the wreckage.

She was later acquitted of all charges against her.