Tinley Cop Charged in DUI Hit-And-Run Quits Force

Tinley Park police officer John Leonard, charged in a drunken hit-and-run crash in an unmarked police squad car early this month, has resigned from the force.

"We have the letter of resignation and he's no longer a Tinley Park policeman," Mayor Ed Zabrocki said at about 4:30 p.m.  Friday afternoon.

Leonard, 37, . After the crash, which took the other drivers to the hospital for minor injuries, Leonard sped off, Frankfort police said.

When New Lenox police found Leonard at a McDonald's, he had spilled a glass of beer in the back seat and was sitting with a pistol between his legs, New Lenox police records show.

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

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At the Frankfort police station, Leonard repeatedly threatened to violate the officer, a Frankfort police report states. Leonard referred to himself as "real police" and a Frankfort officer as "a ticket-writing cop."

Charges are still pending in Will County. The crash took place outside of Tinley Park police jurisdiction.

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The full text of the Village of Tinley Park press release about Leonard's resignation is below:

Please be advised that Patrol Officer John Leonard has submitted his formal resignation to the Village of Tinley Park effective June 1, 2011, when he will no longer be an employee of the Village.  

Any other questions regarding the ongoing investigation of Mr. Leonard and the status of his case with Will County should be directed to the appropriate agency.