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Watch a Rat Interrupt a Palmer House Hotel Dinner

TV cameras capture rodent during Crime Commission event

Thursday, Nov 20, 2008 | Updated 3:35 PM CST

Watch a Rat Interrupt a Palmer House Hotel Dinner

www.palmerhousehiltonhotel.com

An awards ceremony was briefly interrupted by a scurrying rodent in the Grand Ballroom of the Palmer House Hotel Wednesday night.

Cook County State's Attorney Richard Devine speech before Chicago's law enforcement elite was interrupted by a rat that ran through the Grand Ballroom of the Palmer House Hilton Tuesday night. Literally.

An NBC5 photojournalist on hand for the event captured the "unauthorized guest" on camera before it left through a side door and Devine continued his keynote address.

More than 400 of the top crime fighters from city, county state and federal government were on hand for the Stars of Distinction Awards hosted by the Chicago Crime Commission, a non-profit group focused on improving justice and public safety.

"No denying it, you got it on tape," said Director of Pubic Relations Kevin Price. "But this is the first and last time you will ever see it on tape."

Price said they had more than 20 contractors in the hotel during the recent $175 million renovation and that their record with city health officials is a good one.

"The city has given us straight A's on our kitchen and food service area. One of those critters just got in the hotel," said Price.

Chicago Department of Public Health spokesman Tim Hadac said they have opened an investigation into the food service operation of the hotel. Inspectors will make a visit today or tomorrow.

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Rats! He Wasn't on the Guest List