Video: Ald. Maldonado Argues With Police At Shooting Scene, Asks To Be Driven Around Closure

By Stephen Gossett in News on Jul 20, 2017 4:11PM

Footage from a cop's bodycam shows an angry Ald. Roberto Maldonado (26th) arguing with officers and asking to be driven by police after he comes upon a road closure where investigators were working the scene of a shooting. Maldonado in the video says an officer was rude to him, while another cop is seen twice asking the alderman if he's seeking "a special favor."

The video, obtained by CBS Chicago, shows the alderman confronting police at the shooting scene in the 3000 block of West Wabansia Avenue on Saturday, June 17.

In the video, Maldonado—who is filming the scene and says he has his children in his vehicle—is heard asking which routes he should take to get around the closure. When an officer begins to reply, Maldonado interrupts him, saying that another officer had refused to give an answer and was "very smart ass."

After two officers then briefly discuss how far the closure extends on one street, Maldonado says, “Can anybody drive me to my house?

“Now, is that a special favor you're asking for as an alderman?” asks an officer.

“No, I am asking as a citizen,” Maldonado says.

Later in the clip, Maldonado asks, “What would you do if you were in your neighborhood with your kids... in the same situation?"

“I wouldn’t interfere with officers who are in the middle of an active crime scene investigation,” replies an officer.

An officer later says that Maldonado specifically highlighted his office when he arrived. "From the moment you walked up, you announced who you were, you didn't say I'm a citizen...," he says. "You've made quite sure to inform us that you're an alderman, so are you looking for a special favor as an alderman?"

“This is why the police department is in such bad shape with citizens,” Maldonado replies, adding that an initial encounter with another officer—not seen on the video—was “not the nicest."

At one point, one officer offers to escort Maldonado, which the alderman apparently declined. "Is your house close?" the officer says. "I’d be more than happy to walk you to your door," he says.

Maldonado filed a complaint against the officers over the confrontation, according to the Chicago Police Department.

A CPD spokesperson told Chicagoist via email that the matter is still under investigation:

"Anytime a street is blocked due to police activity, officers work to provide drivers with alternate routes so they can get where they need to go without disrupting a crime scene. On June 17 officers were securing a crime scene when they were approached by Alderman Maldonado. They offered routes to get him home given the road closure, and offered to escort him there as well. Afterwards, the Alderman alleged the officers were rude to him and CPD is currently investigating the complaint to ensure it was handled appropriately, as we would always do."

Ald. Maldonado did not immediately return a request for comment. This post will be updated as necessary.