Watch CBS News

Lake County Coroner Withdraws From Race, Amid Ballot Challenge

(CBS) -- The Lake County coroner who played a key -- and controversial -- role in the death investigation of Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz abruptly dropped plans to run for re-election in 2016.

Lake County Clerk Carla Wyckoff's office says Thomas Rudd filed a withdrawal of candidacy Monday morning. His opponent had filed an objection petition to challenge Rudd's paperwork, and a hearing on that objection was scheduled for Tuesday.

Rudd, a Democrat, is the outspoken official who first raised doubts publicly about the September death of Gliniewicz. The officer was found fatally shot in a remote area after telling dispatchers he was pursuing three suspects. Authorities bristled at the coroner's comments to the media but later announced Gliniewicz, 52, staged his own suicide to look like murder.

"This office seeks the truth. That's all we're looking for is the truth," Rudd told CBS 2's Brad Edwards in a November interview.

Rudd narrowly won the coroner's office in 2012 against Republican Steve Newton.

 

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.