Addison cop held on gun, protection order charges

An Addison police officer is accused of unlawfully firing his gun and violating a protection order by sending disturbing photos to his estranged wife.

Danny Owens, 40, remained held without bond in DuPage County jail Tuesday. He appeared in court through a remote feed wearing the yellow jumpsuit given to inmates on suicide watch.

He had been hospitalized since Jan. 31 when he texted photos to his wife of his "blood all over the floor" of the Carol Stream house they once shared, according to court records.

The home was full of broken glass and Owens was "pretty cut up" when first responders arrived on the scene Jan. 31, a source said.

A hearing on his possible dismissal from the Addison Police Department is scheduled for Thursday.

Authorities say Owens' troubles began on Dec. 23, the day after his girlfriend broke up with him. He was charged with recklessly discharging a gun five times while he was alone in his home on the 1300 block of Big Horn Trail in Carol Stream. According to court records, two of the bullets penetrated the home's north wall and flew out into the street.

The next day his wife, who filed for divorce in late October, sought an emergency order of protection against him to protect herself and the couple's two young children.

On Jan. 3, Owens turned himself in to Carol Stream police on the firearm charge, and posted a $300 bail.

The order of protection was renewed on Jan. 13. At that time, Owens was granted limited visitation rights with his children.

He was formally indicted on the weapons charge on Jan. 30, the day before sending the bloody photos to his wife.

The protective order was renewed again Monday, this time removing the visitation rights.

In bond court Tuesday, Owens told DuPage Judge Elizabeth Sexton he is on administrative leave from his police job.

Owens' attorney, Ronald Hendrix, declined to comment Tuesday.

Addison Police Director Timothy Hayden did not return calls seeking comment.

Jim Lombardo, secretary of the Addison Police Commission, however, said Deputy Police Chief Mark VanStedum has filed a complaint with the commission seeking Owens' firing.

"The complaint says VanStedum wants (Owens) fired because he can no longer perform the essential duties of his job," Lombardo said.

The commission meets at 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Lombardo expects Owens' employment status to be discussed in closed session.

Owens' next court date is Feb. 20. There, prosecutors expect he will ask for bond to be set.