Teary-Eyed Ex-Tinley Cop Gets Probation for DUI Hit and Run
At his sentencing hearing, John Leonard apologized for having struck another car in Frankfort last year and sped off. The judge sentenced Leonard to the minimum punishment, which includes classes and counseling.
John Leonard held back the tears as long as he could. After apologizing on Friday to all the people he hurt as a result of a drunken hit-and-run accident last May, the former Tinley Park cop sat down and awaited the court’s mercy. He was sentenced to 30 months of probation on felony charges that could have locked him up for seven years. Leonard, 38, was driving an unmarked police car with an open glass of Guinness and a handgun between his legs on May 1, 2011, around 1 a.m., when he rear-ended another car at LaGrange Road and Lincolnway Lane in Frankfort and sped off. He was later stopped in New Lenox and reportedly taunted local police officers, saying, “So what?” in reference to the pistol in plain view, “I’m a Tinley cop.” He entered …
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Robot Jungle
5:22 am on Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Actually Kevin, you probably would. First time felony offenders with no background are often given TASC and 4:10 probation with the ability to have charges dismissed upon successful completion. People make mistakes, and this man served a community once called "The Best Place to Raise Your Kids" for 13 years. So yes, I think he does deserve a little break. more ›