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Eric Puszkiewicz Disciplinary Documents
Eric Puszkiewicz Disciplinary Documents
FROM - INVESTIGATOR'S NAME RANK STAR NO EMPLOYEE NO UNIT ASSIGNED UNIT DETAILED
9181 113
REFERENCE NOS-(LIST ALL RELATED C.L., C.B., I.R., INVENTORY NOS., ETC., PERTINENT OF THIS INVESTIGATION)
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 5106 S. PULASKI RD, CHICAGO, IL 60632 rDATE / TIME23-NOV-2017 12:11 BEAT: 815
ACCUSED
NAME RANK STAR NO EMP NO UNIT UNIT SEX/RACE DOB APPOINTED ON SWORN
ASSIGNED DETAILED' DATE DUTY ? 7
PUSZKIEWICZ, ERIC J 9161 9913 008 M / WHI -1983 31-JUL-2006 YES YES
REPORTING PARTY
NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX/RACE DOB/AGE
M / BLK -1984 / 33
VICTIMS
NAME ADDRESS* CITY TELEPHONE SEX / RACE DOB/AGE
I
-- M / BLK -1984 / 33
WITNESSES
NAME ADDRESS* CITY I TELEPHONE SEX / RACE DOB/AGE
RANK: M/S -1981 / 36
F / BLK
* IF CPD MEMBER, LIST RANK, STAR, EMPLOYEE NOS. IN ADDRESS, PAX/BELL IN TELEPHONE BOX.
ALLEGATIONS
See page 3.
ATTACHMENTS
32
FINDINGS - RECOMMENDATIONS
See pages 9-10
20-DEC-2017 25-JAN-2018 36
Investigator will initiate the Command Channel Review form by INVESTIGATOR'S SIGNATURE
completing the Investigator's Section.
IF NECESSARY, USE AN 8 1/2 x 11" SHEET OF WHITE PAPER TO CONTINUE ANY ITEM.
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On November 23, 2017 at approximately 12:40 pm, " was waiting for
his mother, (" to pick him up from the CTA Pulaski Orange Line
Station ("CTA Station"). Officers Eric Puszkiewicz #9913 and Jose Lopez #11943 were sitting
inside their marked squad car that was parked in the CTA Station parking lot when they observed
The officers exited their vehicle and approached alleges that Officer
Puszkiewicz displayed and pointed his weapon at him, COPA reviewed these allegations and
reached a Sustained finding.
III. ALLEGATIONS
Officer Eric Puszkiewicz 1. Unnecessarily displayed and pointed his weapon Sustained
at
Rules
1. Rule 2: Any action or conduct which impedes the Department's efforts to achieve its policy
and goals or brings discredit upon the Department
3
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
2. Rule 3: Any failure to promote the Department's efforts to implement its policy or accomplish
its goals
General Orders
1. G03-02-01: Force Options
V. INVESTIGATION
COPA conducted a thorough and complete investigation. The following is a summary of the
material evidence gathered and relied upon in our analysis.
a. Interviews
stated that Officer Puszkiewicz did not search rather, opened his
jacket and Officer Puszkiewicz looked inside. stated he and asked Officer
4
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
Puszkiewicz whether fit the description of the individual Officer Puszkiewicz was looking
for, but Officer Puszkiewicz did not answer. stated Officer Puszkiewicz became defensive,
aggressive, and arrogant. After Officer Puszkiewicz gave the investigatory stop receipt,
stated he and drove away. stated the incident lasted from approximately
12:50 PM to 1:10 PM. stated he wore jeans, a blue dress shirt, black boots, a jacket, and
black beanie during the incident. Later in the day, stated he went back to the Pulaski
Orange line station and spoke to a CTA employee asking whether she saw any officers.
stated that the CTA employee said she neither saw nor spoke to officers.'
COPA conducted witness Officer Jose Lopez's #11943 ("Officer Lopez") audio
statement on January 9, 2018. Officer Lopez was accompanied by counsel. Officer Lopez stated
that while working with Officer Puszkiewicz on November 23, 2017, which was Thanksgiving
Day, they were parked in the CTA Pulaski Orange Line's parking lot. Officer Lopez indicated the
officers were parked in the lot for "police presence" because there were armed robberies in the
vicinity. Officer Lopez stated he received information in roll call and worked in the area, therefore,
he was aware of current robberies in the area. Officer Lopez stated he did not recall if he knew the
' Attachment 10
2 Attachment 11
5
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
robbery suspect's description when he and Officer Puszkiewicz were parked in the CTA parking
lot.
Officer Lopez stated he did not know what Officer Puszkiewicz's actions because he was
focused on the Officer Lopez stated he did not see Officer Puszkiewicz exit the squad car.
Officer Lopez stated that when he saw Officer Puszkiewicz speaking to he does not know
where Officer Puszkiewicz's firearm was located. Officer Lopez stated he did not see Officer
Puszkiewicz unholster or point his firearm during this incident. Officer Lopez stated he spoke to
and but did not recall the substance of the conversations.
Officer Lopez stated sat inside her vehicle, which was parked next to the squad
car. Officer Lopez stated he did not see her vehicle prior to exiting his vehicle. Officer Lopez
stated he could not speculate whether Officer Puszkiewicz saw vehicle. Officer Lopez
stated in order to approach vehicle, went towards the squad car. Officer Lopez
said that once it was determined was waiting for to pick him up, the officers
decided a field interview was not needed.
Officer Lopez stated he reviewed the Investigatory Stop Report, Officer Puszkiewicz
authored the report, and it is fair and accurate to what he recalls. Officer Lopez stated he did not
conduct a pat down on and does not know whether Officer Puszkiewicz conducted a pat
down. Officer Lopez stated he does not recall why he did not conduct a pat down when he believed
possessed a weapon. Officer Lopez stated he normally conducts a pat down in similar
circumstances. Officer Lopez indicated that no weapon was recovered.
Officer Lopez stated that the officers' demeanor was professional. Officer Lopez stated
that he does not recall or demeanors. Officer Lopez stated he does not recall if
he or Officer Puszkiewicz asked about robberies in the area.3
Attachment 25
6
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he was parked in the lot for approximately ten minutes prior to
interacting with Officer Puszkiewicz stated he saw as he exited the CTA station.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated was walking erratically in various directions. Officer
Puszkiewicz stated quickly changed his walking direction then quickly looked and walked
towards the squad car. Officer Puszkiewicz stated that he perceived to be mentally unstable.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he did not notice whether other vehicles were in the parking lot because
he was focused on Officer Puszkiewicz stated his view of was unobstructed. Officer
Puszkiewicz said was walking in the parking lot for less than thirty seconds. Officer
Puszkiewicz stated when he exited his vehicle he noticed had his right hand inside his jacket.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated that with his perceived mental state of combined with
manner of walking towards squad car, he unholstered his weapon as he exited.
Officer Puszkiewicz said he thought would shoot the officers because he perceived
to be mentally unstable, walking towards the squad car, and hand inside his
jacket. Officer Puszkiewicz stated it was "chilly" on November 23, 2017. Officer Puszkiewicz said
that his firearm was by his side by the holster but does not recall if he pointed the firearm at
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he ordered to show his hands, to which complied. Officer
Puszkiewicz indicated that, at this time, he realized that was walking towards the red vehicle
parked a few feet away from the squad car. Officer Puszkiewicz indicated that mother
( occupied the red vehicle because she was picking up from the CTA station.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he noticed vehicle awaiting when he exited his
squad car. Officer Puszkiewicz stated once he realized was walking towards
vehicle, he no longer felt threatened by Officer Puszkiewicz stated he did not recall his
conversation with Officer Puszkiewicz stated he told he observed
manner of walking and he perceived to be mentally unstable. Officer Puszkiewicz stated he
did not conduct a pat down because he realized was walking towards s vehicle
and the threat disappeared.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated looked young, but not the age of a teenager. Officer
Puszkiewicz stated that when he unholstered his weapon while he exited his squad car, he did not
believe to be one of the robbery suspects. Officer Puszkiewicz stated his perception of
mental state alerted him more than anything else. Officer Puszkiewicz stated he has
experience with mentally unstable individuals due to "numerous radio calls [and] daily interactions
7
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
with them." Officer Puszkiewicz described the manner mentally unstable individuals walk as
"erratic, unsure where they are going, [and] spastic."
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he completed the Investigatory Stop Report and its receipt.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated information was clear. Officer Puszkiewicz said he and Officer
Lopez left the CTA station a few minutes after their interaction with Officer Puszkiewicz
indicated he saw approximately ten individuals entering and exiting the CTA station prior to his
contact with Officer Puszkiewicz stated he did not recall the individuals' physical
description, behavior, or hand positions. However, Officer Puszkiewicz stated their behavior did
not "pique his interest [or] attention."4
b. Digital Evidence
Officers Lopez and Puszkiewicz's body-worn cameras depict Officers Lopez and
Puszkiewicz conversing with and The videos do not depict the officers' initial
approach towards Officers Lopez and Puszkiewicz's in-car camera did not capture the
incident.5
COPA served a subpoena on the Chicago Transit Authority ("CTA") on November 28,
2017 for surveillance footage. CTA's response states it has no responsive video.6
COPA conducted a POD search around the incident location; however, there are no PODs
in the area that would have captured the incident.7
c. Documentary Evidence
The Investigatory Stop Report, No. ISR000383293 and Event No. 05968, authored by
Officer Puszkiewicz lists as the individual stopped. The report states that Officer
Puszkiewicz did not conduct a protective pat down and did not find a weapon or contraband on
The report narrates that Officers Puszkiewicz and Lopez were conducting a premise check
due to recent robberies. The officers observed exit the train station walking in various
directions and then walk towards the officers in an erratic manner. The report states the officers
believed to be in an unstable state because he kept his right hand inside of his jacket. The
report further states that in fear that was holding a weapon combined with the perceived
Attachment 30
5 Attachment 14
6 Attachments 17 and 23
7 Attachment 22
Attachments 15 and 16
9 Attachment 18
8
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
mental state, the officers ordered to show his hands as Officer Puszkiewicz unholstered his
weapon. The report states the officers realized was walking towards an awaiting vehicle.10
VI. ANALYSIS
It is undisputed that Officer Puszkiewicz unholstered his firearm when he exited his marked
squad car. Officer Puszkiewicz claimed he believed may discharge a weapon at the officers
because hand remained inside his jacket, walked towards the officers' vehicle, and
he perceived to be mentally unstable due to walking erratically.
Once exited the CTA station, he waited for to arrive. exited the
CTA station with his hands in his pocket without making sudden movements. It is quite normal
for an individual to wait for a ride after exiting a CTA train station, and to walk with their hands
in their pocket when the weather is cold. Officer Puszkiewicz even said it was "chilly" at the time
of the incident. Once saw arrive, he walked towards her vehicle. To go to
vehicle, had to walk towards the squad car because both vehicles were parked
a few feet away from each other. Officer Puszkiewicz stated he noticed vehicle was
parked near the squad car. Officer Puszkiewicz claimed that due to manner of walking, he
perceived to be mentally unstable which primarily alerted him to exit his vehicle. However,
the fact that he perceived to be mentally unstable does not necessitate unholstering and
pointing his firearm at Also, pacing in different directions while waiting for someone on a
cold day is ordinary.
Although Officer Puszkiewicz stated he does not recall whether he pointed his firearm at
both and claimed he pointed it at chest. Based on their statements,
and the fact that Officer Puszkiewicz did not deny that he pointed his weapon at COPA
finds that it is more likely than not that Officer Puszkiewicz acted as alleged.
For the above reasons, it was unreasonable and unnecessary for Officer Puszkiewicz to
unholster and point his firearm at
1° Attachment 19
9
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
VII. CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis set forth above, COPA makes the following findings:
Allegation Finding
Officer Puszkiewicz
1. Unnecessarily displayed and pointed his weapon at I Sustained
Approved:
10
CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY LOG #1087620
Appendix A
Squad#:
Investigator:
Supervising Investigator:
Deputy Chief Administrator: Joshua Hunt
11
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 11 MARCH 2019
Management and Labor Affairs Section
Keith A. Calloway
Chief
Bureau of Internal Affairs
Fred L. Waller
Chief
Bureau of Patrol
Sydney Roberts
Chief Administrator
Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA)
DECISION: The Arbitrator ruled that the Department did not have just cause to issue
Grievant Eric Puszkiewicz a ten (10) day suspension. Therefore, the ten (10) day suspension,
which gave rise to the listed grievance, shall be expunged from the grievant's record. The
disciplinary record of the grievant will be amended to reflect this change.
Pursuant to the above captioned arbitration decision, the following actions must
be taken:
The Unit Commander: Will ensure the grievant is notified of the provisions of
this directive and the grievance number is considered closed after implementation of the Binding
Summary Opinion.
Page 1
OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT 11 MARCH 2019
Management and Labor Affairs Section
The BIA Records Section: Will ensure that the disciplinary record of the
grievant is amended, if necessary, in accordance with the Binding Summary Opinion and
copies of any relevant documents (i.e. compliant history), which indicate compliance, are
included with this reply.
The BIA Advocate Section: Will ensure that the Department complies with the
Binding Summary Opinion and copies of any relevant documents, which indicate compliance,
are included with this reply.
The COPA General Counsel: Will ensure that the disciplinary Record of the
grievant is amended to reflect the above captioned changes and copies of any relevant
documents, which indicate compliance, are included with this reply.
If directed to take any action, please the complete compliance section, attach any
relevant documentation which indicates compliance, and return to Management and Labor
Affairs Section. If there are any questions regarding this directive, please contact Sergeant
Nicole Thompson, Management and Labor Affairs Section, at Pax 0671 / 0672 or Bell 745-5806.
Wynter C. N. Jackson
Director
Management and Labor Affairs Section
Approved:
cmaryttieba(
Dana O'Malley
Assistant General Counsel
Office of the Superintendent
Compliance:
Signature: Title:
Date: Unit:
Documentation:
WCNJ/nct
Enclosures: (1)
Page 2
CITY OF CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT —
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE CHICAGO LODGE NO. 7
SUMMARY ARBITRATION
APPEARANCES:
Background
Accountability. After interviewing Officer Puszkiewicz, his partner, Officer Jose Lopez, Star
the allegation which was approved by supervising Investigator and Deputy Chief
Administrator Joshua Hunt of COPA. COPA's recommended discipline was a 10 day
Certain facts are undisputed. On November 23, 2017, Officer Puszkiewicz was on duty
in a squad car with his partner, Officer Lopez. The Officers were working out of the 008111
District. They had been advised, apparently at roll call, that there had been reports of robberies
on November 23, 2017 in the vicinity of the CTA Pulaski Orange Line stop. As a result, Officers
Puszkiewicz and Lopez parked their vehicle in the "Kiss n' Ride" area of the Pulaski Orange
Line station as a deterrent. The description of the robbery suspects was teenage Black males.
The Officers were so parked at approximately 12:50 p.m. on November 23, 2017.
was a Black male, 33 years old at the time. Mr. had ridden the
Orange Line arriving at the Pulaski Orange Line platform at which time he called his mother,
to advise her that he was waiting for her to pick him up. According to Mr.
told him that she was two stop lights away. Mr. saw his mother,
pull up into the "Kiss n' Ride" area and park her vehicle next to the vehicle of
Officer Puszkiewicz's squad car. stated he then proceeded to walk toward his
2
his jacket. stated Officer Lopez exited his vehicle and looked at
vehicle and said, "is this your son?" said
replied, "yes, that's my son, what's going on?" stated that Officer
Puszkiewicz asked him whethe was his mother to which
eplied yes. stated that Officer Puszkiewicz says "I'm sorry,
there have been a lot of robberies happening lately in the area."
indicated that Officer Puszkiewicz tried to diffuse the situation and
Officer Lopez intervened to calm down. stated he
asked the officers "why did you pull the gun out?" to which Officer
Puszkiewicz replied, "you were walking up to my car with your hands in
your pocket, what am I supposed to think?" said he replied "yes, I
was, because my mother's car was parked very closely to your car."
stated that Officer Puszkiewicz did not search rather,
opened his jacket and Officer Puszkiewicz looked inside.
stated he and asked Officer Puszkiewicz whether fit
the description of the individual Officer Puszkiewicz was looking for,
but Officer Puszkiewicz did not answer. stated Officer
Puszkiewicz became defensive, aggressive, and arrogant. After Officer
Puszkiewicz gave the investigatory stop receipt, stated he
and drove away. stated the incident lasted from
approximately 12:50 PM to 1:10 PM. stated he wore jeans, a blue
dress shirt, black boots, a jacket, and black beanie during the incident.
follows:
3
vehicle. stated she asked Officer Puszkiewicz about drawing
his firearm to which Officer Puszkiewicz said, "there have been a lot of
robberies in the area." said she asked Officer Puszkiewicz
"does that mean fit the description of the robber." said
that Officer Puszkiewicz did not answer. said she talked to
Officer Puszkiewicz about what happened and Officer Puszkiewicz
replied, "He feared for [his] safety. He did not like the way was
walking towards [him] because he felt threatened." said she
told Officer Puszkiewicz that was walking towards her vehicle.
stated the officers did not search described
Officer Puszkiewicz as arrogant. stated she remained inside
her vehicle throughout the incident. stated she and
went to back to the CTA Station and spoke to a CTA employee.
said that the CTA employee did not know of any robberies or
see any officers at the station.
Paszkiewicz did tell her that, based upon his observation of he felt threatened and
feared for his safety. also acknowledged that she did not understand police
work.
In his interview, Officer Lopez confirmed that he and Officer Puszkiewicz were at the
Pulaski station parked in the Kiss n' Ride area surveilling the situation because of being advised
that there had been robberies in the area the day before. Officer Lopez did get out of the vehicle
along with Officer Puszkiewicz when the two saw walking toward their car.
Officer Lopez did not see what action Officer Puszkiewicz was taking with his holster or gun, but
instead was concentrating on the actions of Officer Lopez did state that
appeared to be in an unstable state, walking toward the squad car with his hands inside an
article of clothing and that he was concerned about behavior who was walking in
different directions.
4
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he was parked in the lot for
approximately ten minutes prior to interacting with Officer
Puszkiewicz stated he saw as he exited the CTA station. Officer
Puszkiewicz stated was walking erratically in various directions.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated quickly changed his walking direction
then quickly looked and walked towards the squad car. Officer
Puszkiewicz stated that he perceived to be mentally unstable.
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he did not notice whether other vehicles
were in the parking lot because he was focused on Officer
Puszkiewicz stated his view of was unobstructed. Officer
Puszkiewicz said was walking in the parking lot for less than
thirty seconds. Officer Puszkiewicz stated when he exited his vehicle he
noticed had his right hand inside his jacket. Officer Puszkiewicz
stated that with his perceived mental state of combined with
manner of walking towards squad car, he unholstered his
weapon as he exited.
5
Officer Puszkiewicz stated he completed the Investigatory Stop
Report and its receipt. Officer Puszkiewicz stated information
was clear. Officer Puszkiewicz said he and Officer Lopez left the CTA
station a few minutes after their interaction with Officer
Puszkiewicz indicated he saw approximately ten individuals entering
and exiting the CTA station prior to his contact with Officer
Puszkiewicz stated he did not recall the individuals' physical
description, behavior, or hand positions. However, Officer Puszkiewicz
stated their behavior did not "pique his interest [or] attention."
Officer Puszkiewicz told Investigator that he did not recall if he pointed the firearm
at Mr. although he did acknowledge that he unholstered his weapon. Before this
Arbitrator, Officer Puszkiewicz again questioned whether he actually pointed his weapon toward
Officer Puszkiewicz also acknowledged that at the time he did not believe that
Mr. was one of the robbery suspects, but was concerned about mental state and
actions that caused Officer Puszkiewicz to react as he did, along with Officer Lopez.
wrote:
6
As noted, Officer Puszkiewicz did give a receipt to as required by the
Department's Orders.
On the above facts, Investigator in the Summary Report supported the finding of
7
believe might be one of the robbery suspects. Officer
Puszkiewicz's explanation that seemed "unstable" is tenuous at
best.
Supervising Investigator:
At the time of this event, Officer Puszkiewicz had 11 years on the job, being appointed on
31 July 2006. In his time on the job, Officer Puszkiewicz had accumulated what could be
considered an outstanding complementary history, namely, 189 Awards, including one Special
Commendation and one Superintendent's Award of Valor, along with 166 Honorable Mentions.
8
Officer Puszkiewicz had no current discipline on his record. This Arbitrator makes this
weapon is a serious matter and is of concern in the administration of the conduct of Officers in
the field. This Arbitrator recognizes this point. Yet, with such a record, one wonders even if the
What this file reveals is a serious difference of opinion between the Civilian Office of
Police Accountability and the Command Channel. The Command Channel, consisting of Deputy
Chief Kevin Ryan and District Commander Ronald Pontecore, Jr., did not concur with COPA.
In comparing the comments of Chief Ryan with that of Commander Pontecore, there is
very little difference which does not explain the reason that Commander Pontecore opted for
violation noted. Both of the above experienced Command Officers emphasized the perception at
9
the time of Officer Puszkiewicz and did not fault him for the actions he took.
So, what this Arbitrator has before him is the Civilian Office of Police Accountability
responsible for reviewing situations such as this impartially without'the influence of any
members of the Department. When the matter reaches a review within the Department, two
members of management, presumably experienced in police work, conclude in effect that Officer
Puszkiewicz' actions did not violate under the circumstances any Orders. As a civilian, to repeat,
this Arbitrator is aware of the concern as to the display of weapons and the use of weapons.
Considering all the circumstances, this Arbitrator would agree with Chief Ryan that the
allegation was not sustained. Since it was not sustained, there is no reason to mar the record of
an Officer of this caliber as revealed by his 11 year record with the Department. This Arbitrator
ends this Opinion by noting that if the perception was unreasonable, this Arbitrator would have
no hesitancy to sustain the allegation. But, under the circumstances, although it turned out to be
It is based upon the above analysis that this Arbitrator will issue the following Binding
Award.
BINDING AWARD
The ten (10) day suspension of Police Officer Eric Puszkiewicz is hereby set aside. He
shall not serve same. His record shall be expunged of any reference to said ten (10) day
suspension.
K f4/11-0/03
GEORGE T. ROUMELL, JR.
Arbitrator
March 7, 2019
10