Free Talk Live

BELLEVILLE -- Former Illinois State Police Director Larry Trent testified this
morning in a wrongful-death case against the state that Trooper Matt Mitchell's
actions were irresponsible and reflected poor judgment when he rushed down
Interstate 64 in his patrol car at high speed before crashing into another
vehicle, killing two teens.

"It's indefensible," Trent testified before a hearing officer for the Illinois
Court of Claims. Trent was director when the crash occurred in late 2007.

He said Mitchell did not use reasonable care when he drove 126 mph, sent an

A state trooper has been arrested after allegedly taking jewelry from a person who died in a motorcycle crash in September. Trooper Aaron Huntsman, 43, an 18-year veteran of the state police, faces two counts of third-degree larceny. He is also charged with interfering with police and tampering with evidence. Huntsman's police powers have been suspended, according to a release from the state police, and an internal affairs investigation is underway.

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against a former Utah Highway Patrol trooper and her superiors alleging that she filed false DUI charges during her career.
The department fired Lisa Steed in November for alleged misconduct related to her duties.

A Washington County man who was asleep in the back of a cab claims he was shocked with a Taser because he "shushed" a state trooper when the man tried to wake him.
Phillip S. Chappel, 29, of Washington, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the state police, as well as Trooper Jeffrey Osrodowski, claiming the officer had no reason to take aggressive action against him.

An 80 year relationship ended with the death of the wife that resulted from an accident with a deputy. The driver (the husband) was deemed responsible for the death. He ended up committing suicide because of the grief. However, the Sun-Sentinel investigates who is truly at fault and why it raises some disturbing questions about the Sheriff's office investigation of the crash.

A video showing a state troopers excessive force on a woman.

While she was driving, her passenger grabbed the wheel and caused her to crash into the wall near Lemon Avenue.

The 22-year-old suffered very minor injuries when her airbag deployed. But she called 911 and that's when things got worse.

Dash camera video shows Perez handcuff the woman and slam her into a wall.

Nine Illinois couples filed a lawsuit this week, backed by the American Civil Liberties Union and New York-based Lambda Legal, to challenge the constitutionality of Illinois law that bars same-sex couples from marrying.

McLEAN COUNTY -- The state's attorneys office is going public with a bold, new policy. It's no longer prosecuting offenders of some gun laws in Illinois.

The interim state's attorney says he's tired of Illinois not having "concealed-carry." So, now, prosecutors are considering several questions when deciding if they'll press charges.

They consider a person's intent, criminal history and whether the weapon was used recklessly. It only applies to those with a valid FOID card.

The state's attorney hopes his actions send a message to the state. The policy could be reversed this fall.

A Massachusetts State Police trooper and Army war hero was arrested after a chaotic scene unfolded early yesterday morning when he allegedly drove drunk and crashed his car on his Dorchester street, pointed a gun at an off-duty Boston police officer, and then ran into his house and fired his gun into a ceiling. He came outside and was wrestled to the ground by responding officers.