Chicago Cop Strangled During South Loop Traffic Stop: Police

CHICAGO, IL — A Midlothian man is accused of strangling a Chicago police sergeant during a traffic stop Saturday in the South Loop, according to the department. Edward D. Thompson, 36, of the 14500 block of South Spaulding Avenue, was charged with multiple felony counts in the incident, including aggravated battery of a peace officer. He also faces misdemeanor trespass, assault and driving under the influence charges, a Chicago police release stated.

According to police, Thompson was at a business in the 1900 block of South Michigan Avenue on Saturday night when he allegedly hit a person in the chest there. He also refused to leave the establishment after repeated requests to do so, police said.

The victims in the incident identified Thompson's car, and police pulled him over at around 10:12 p.m. Saturday, May 5, in the 2100 block of South Wabash Avenue, according to authorities. The police sergeant during the stop suspected Thompson was under the influence of alcohol, and the officer told him he was taking him into custody.

Thompson allegedly began throttling the sergeant by the throat after he was informed he was being apprehended, police said. More officers were called in, and Thompson eventually was subdued and arrested, according to police.

Edward D. Thompson (Photo via Chicago Police Department)