I wonder if this is the same Tinley Park cop that cut me off at the railroad crossing on 80th Ave on March 24th because he didn't want to wait for the train. I know the plate number and if I see him I will let him know what I think of him. I'm a resident on Tinley Park and it sickens me when the people that are suppose to be protecting us are breaking the law themselves.

Police officers are human beings and just as fallible as the next person. It is sad that this occurred but at the same time it happens to non-police (citizens) every day and it is not posted. It is good to be informed about what is going on in the area and at least the man was upstanding enough to turn himself into the the police in Frankfort. It is not a justification for drinking and driving but everyone makes mistakes.

Part #1
The story is that he fled the scene like a common criminal, causing a personal injury crash in Frankfort May 1, had been drinking and had a handgun between his feet when he was stopped about seven miles away from the crash, according to police reports released Wednesday by Frankfort police.

Leonard was stopped at the intersection of U.S. Route 30 and Nelson Road in New Lenox shortly after the accident, his eyes were bloodshot and glassy and there was a strong smell of alcohol on his breath, according to the report. With slurred speech, he said “Tinley cop,” and told officers the damage to his vehicle had been there for two weeks.

The report says that while speaking with Leonard, police saw a handgun on the floor between his feet. When asked about the gun, Leonard said, “So what, I’m a Tinley cop.”

Part #2

Leonard refused to take a breath test at the police station and was taken to Silver Cross Hospital to give blood and urine samples.

While at the hospital, Leonard allegedly told an officer he was the “real police” and that the officer was only a “ticket writing cop,” the reports said. He also told officers to grow up and said that what they were doing was wrong and that they should be taking care of him.

When he was returned to the police station, he told police he felt like he was going to blackout and he was transported to Olympia Fields Hospital for treatment, the reports said. He was told to return to the station to submit his fingerprints and to be photographed once he was released.

These are excerpts from Ashley Rueff, TribLocal reporters story.

You can read the full New Lenox police arrest report here: http://tinleypark.patch.com/articles/read-the-arrest-report-of-a-tinley-cop-charged-with-drunken-hit-and-run-in-a-government-vehicle

We're still waiting for our Freedom of Information Act request for the Frankfort police report to be processed, but the plan is to put that one up too.

What ever happened to the former police officer? Sounds like a "great" guy.

Couldn't agree with you more Kerri U. People commenting on here need to learn about forgiveness and need find something better to do than make nasty comments about John. I am sure if he could go back in time and do things differently, he would have. The weight and burden he has to carry for this for the rest of his life is punishment enough. Leave the man alone and focus on your own life.

Forgot about this story then came across it after catching up on reading. Don't feel one bit sorry for Mr. Leonard. Nope. Leave Tinley please John. We can find another officer willing to be paid for doing a good job and one who knows how act appropriately on and OFF the job. Entitlement at its best is what happened here. Unreal.

Leonard entitlement at it's best. Love how SR wants to slap everybody else's hand because no one should make any comments about Johnny Leonard but SR. Glad the judge was unmoved by Leonard's apology. Just more Leonard smoke.