Cop Indicted With Aggravated Battery Against Teen

CHICAGO (STMW) -- A south suburban police officer was indicted on aggravated battery and official misconduct charges Wednesday for allegedly tripping a teen and later grabbing him by the throat after the boy made a wisecrack.

Lynell Porch is 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, authorities said.

On Wednesday, Porch was formally charged and arraignment was set for June 23, Cook County State's Attorney's office spokesman Andy Conklin said.

Porch surrendered to authorities May 18 and bond was set at $75,000.

The alleged incident happened June 16, 2010, when 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 state's attorney's office.

When they arrived, the officers approached the 16-year-old victim, and several other teens, and conducted a patdown for drugs. When no evidence of narcotics was found, Porch introduced himself as the gang and narcotics officer, at which time the teen made a wisecrack and laughed at Porch, who arrested and cuffed him, the release said.

While Porch was leading the teen to his 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 onto a bench in the booking room, the release said.

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

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