NIU chief cleared of wrongdoing, reinstated

Northern Illinois University has cleared its tough-talking police chief of wrongdoing in the wake of allegations he tried to intimidate an editor of the campus newspaper. It also reinstated Donald Grady as NIU's top cop.

The 6-foot-5 Grady won laurels last year for leading his men into a classroom after a gunman opened fire, killing five students.

But administrators put him on paid leave two months ago after accusations he threatened Northern Star editor-in-chief Justin Weaver during an interview. An investigation by a special panel could have led to the 56-year-old's dismissal from his $199,000-a-year job.

NIU announced Friday the investigation "found no evidence of misconduct or inappropriate actions."

Grady's reinstatement is effective immediately.