Tinley Park Police Commander Arrested For Domestic Battery, Violating Order Of Protection: Sheriff

TINLEY PARK, IL — A Tinley Park police commander was arrested Thursday after turning himself in to Cook County Sheriff's police, following an investigation into a domestic battery incident and a violation of a protective order.

At approximately 6:15 a.m. Dec. 11, Patrick St. John, 54, turned himself in to Cook County detectives, the sheriff's office said in a statement Friday.

Sheriff’s police say they learned that St. John, who was a Tinley Park Police officer at the time, had violated an order of protection by trying to contact the victim through a third party. Detectives also learned that he had previously assaulted the victim, according to the sheriff's office.

St. John was charged with one count of domestic battery and one count of violating of an order of protection.

He was ordered released from custody following his initial court appearance later that day. As part of his conditions of release, he was ordered to surrender his FOID and firearms to law enforcement.

"The Village of Tinley Park is aware of the very serious domestic battery allegations against Cmdr. St. John," Village Manager Pat Carr said in a statement to Patch Friday. "The Village initiated the investigation into the incident and is working collaboratively with the Cook County Sheriff’s Office to ensure there is no perception of impropriety or special treatment.

"While Cmdr. St. John will have his day in court and is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, I want to stress that the Village holds all of our officers to the highest standards and will call to account anyone convicted of wrongdoing. The actions of one officer in no way reflect the values of the Tinley Park Police Department and all of the fine men and women who serve our town."

Patch inquired with the Village Friday regarding St. John's employment status with the police department. Carr confirmed that on Friday, St. John submitted his retirement papers, with an effective date of Dec. 19. He had been on leave for the past several weeks, Carr said. Village documents from December 2024, when St. John was promoted to commander, said he had been with the department for 26 years.

Tinley Park Police Metropolitan Alliance of Police 192 Union issued a statement regarding the arrest.

"We stand in support of all survivors of domestic violence," the statement reads, in part. "As the officers often first on the scene of these calls, we witness the trauma involved and our thoughts are with those affected by this incident."

In the statement, the union also states that St. John is an administrator and not a member of MAP 192.

"The union has no control over the selection, promotion, or supervision of command staff," the statement reads. "... The members of MAP 192 remain dedicated to serving Tinley Park with the highest level of integrity. We advocate for a department where leadership is selected through a transparent, merit-based process to ensure the community gets the leadership it deserves. Our members took an oath to uphold the law, and we stand by that oath."

The Village is anticipated to approve the hiring of a new police commander at its Dec. 16 Village Board meeting, according to a meeting agenda. Frederick Melean "has 31 years of law enforcement experience focused on developing and implementing strategies that reduce violent crime and enhance public safety, according to the board meeting agenda. His experience includes 25 years in supervisory and command positions, including serving in the positions of sergeant, lieutenant, commander and deputy chief. He has led tactical watch operations; directed security, facilities, and public safety operations; developed and implemented policies enhancing customer service standards; and has proven results in managing large teams and achieving operational goals." Melean also holds a master's in business administration.

Melean is a former Chicago Police supervisor who retired in 2023, after facing demotion for failing to respond to the scene of a fatal crash involving an off-duty cop after a work holiday party in December 2023, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

As a street deputy at the time, Melean was reportedly tasked with overseeing the response to the collision early Dec. 7, 2023 in the 300 block of North State Street. The officer had reportedly veered onto a sidewalk near the House of Blues after dropping her phone and taking her eyes off the road, Patch reported at the time.

The officer hit two pedestrians from Texas, a 37-year-old woman and 56-year-old Maria Schwab. Schwab died from her injuries; the other woman suffered minor injuries.

Melean reportedly did not respond to the scene, nor did he notify the Bureau of Internal Affairs, the Sun-Times reported, in turn preventing the officer driving from taking a Breathalyzer. Facing demotion, Melean retired instead.

The officer who had been driving was relieved of her police duties on the day of the crash. A wrongful death lawsuit was filed after the crash, and the City of Chicago was eventually added to the suit as a defendant.

If approved, Melean's employment in Tinley Park would begin Jan. 5, 2026.