Charged With Injuring Teen, Filing False Report

A south suburban police officer intentionally injured a teen after the boy made a wisecrack in front of other teens, officials said Wednesday.

Calumet Park Officer Lynell Porch has been charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct in connection with the alleged June 16, 2010 incident.

That evening, Porch and a partner responded to a call of drug activity at a car wash near 127th and Laflin, according to a release from the Cook County State's Attorney's office. When they arrived, the officers approached a and conducted a patdown for drugs.

When no evidence of narcotics was found, Porch introduced himself as the town's new gang and narcotics officer, at which time a 16-year-old boy made a wisecrack and laughed at Porch, who arrested and handcuffed him, the release said.

While Porch was leading the teen to his police vehicle, he allegedly raised the teen's cuffed arms up behind his back, causing him to lean forward and then swept his feet out from under him, causing him to fall face-first onto the concrete, the release said.

The victim suffered a large abrasion to his face, cuts and bruises to his shoulder and knee, and a broken tooth.

Surveillance video later showed Porch removing the victim from his squad car by grabbing his throat after transporting him back to the Calumet Park Police Station, then pushing him on to a bench in the booking room, the release said.

Porch has been charged with aggravated battery, filing a false police report and official misconduct, all Class 3 felonies. He has been a patrolman in Calumet Park since 2007.

After the attack, Porch filed police reports claiming the victim resisted arrest and the injuries were the result of him tripping when he broke free and attempted to run away, the release said. This was contradicted by four other teens, as well as Porch's partner.

Porch surrendered to authorities Wednesday and appeared at a bond hearing, where Judge Donald Panarese set bond at $75,000.