Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Judge Lets Jason Van Dyke Quietly Leave Courthouse During A Recess

 Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke, 38, is charged with murdering Laquan McDonald in 2014.
Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke, 38, is charged with murdering Laquan McDonald in 2014.
View Full Caption
Chicago Tribune

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE — Jason Van Dyke, the Chicago police officer facing murder charges in the 16-shot slaying of Laquan McDonald, was allowed to leave Thursday's court hearing during a recess — and while reporters were waiting for Van Dyke's judge to address a separate issue.

Van Dyke, who routinely faces a barrage of questions as he comes and goes from pre-trial hearings in the case, slipped out of the courthouse with the permission of Cook County Judge Vincent Gaughan.

His departure was announced after Van Dyke's attorneys requested permission for Van Dyke to skip some court appearances — and before Judge Gaughan addressed two petitions asking for a special prosecutor to handle Van Dyke's case.

Van Dyke's attorneys argued a motion Thursday claiming that Van Dyke should be allowed to skip routine status hearings since he's been harassed and threatened by protesters every time he's appeared at the Leighton Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave.

Prosecutors dubbed the move unnecessary since protests have died down in recent months. At Van Dyke's two most recent court appearances, there wasn't a single heckler or protester.

Gaughan on Thursday said he felt the security plan in place for Van Dyke's hearings was adequate, and held off on ruling on Herbert's request. Van Dyke will still have to appear at all future hearings, and enter and exit the courthouse through the front door like everyone else.

For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here: