Ex-Tinley Cop Pleads Guilty to Drunken Hit-And-Run in Government Vehicle

A Tinley Park police officer who resigned in May pleaded guilty Wednesday to a drunken hit-and-run crash in an unmarked police squad car.

The Chicago Tribune reports that John Leonard, 38, entered a blind plea to the felony charges, which include driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident involving personal injury. He was also cited for failing to reduce speed and illegal transportation of alcohol. He faces up to 7 years in prison, but is eligible for probation, officials told the Tribune.

Charges stem from a crash on in Frankfort in which Leonard—driving a police department Ford Explorer—ran into another vehicle, . A passenger in the other car was not severely injured but was taken to the hospital.

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Leonard reportedly sped off after the accident and was picked up in New Lenox, where police said he had a spilled a glass of beer in the back seat and was sitting with a pistol between his legs. 

When asked about the gun, Leonard is said to have replied, "So what? I'm a Tinley cop."

He was immediately . 

Leonard refused a Breathalyzer test at and was taken to Silver Cross Hospital for blood and urine samples, reports said. His blood alcohol content registered at a .19, reports the Chicago Tribune, which is more than twice the legal limit.

He is scheduled to be sentenced in Will County on April 20. 

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