Coroner involved in Gliniewicz probe drops re-election bid

FOX LAKE, Ill. (AP) - A coroner in the spotlight for releasing controversial details about the death of a northern Illinois police officer has dropped re-election plans.

Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd withdrew his bid for the Democratic nomination Monday, which came a day before he was set to contest a challenge to his paperwork.

Rudd wouldn't discuss his decision. The Daily Herald (http://bit.ly/1NtHtSO) reports two Republicans challenged his paperwork, but details haven't been publicized.

Rudd came under fire after telling media outlets that Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz died of a "single devastating" gunshot wound, which authorities claimed could've jeopardized the case. Later, authorities announced Gliniewicz killed himself but staged it to look like a homicide.

Lake County Democratic Party Vice Chairman Pete Couvall tells he believes Rudd's clashes with law enforcement made him an election target.

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Information from: Daily Herald, http://www.dailyherald.com