Officer fired for allegedly beating woman while on a domestic call

By Mary Owen TribLocal reporter Friday at 2:28 p.m.

A Joliet police officer has been fired after allegedly using excessive force while responding to a domestic dispute earlier this month at a motel.

Officer Thomas O’Connor, a four-year veteran of the Joliet Police Department, was alone when he responded to a call on Feb. 9 and is accused of beating a woman at the Star Inn in Joliet as he attempted to arrest her.

“He is not above the law,” said Joliet Police Chief Mike Trafton. “I have a duty to enforce the law and I also have a duty to protect the people of Joliet, whether you’re a cop or not a cop. I have to do the right thing.”

Trafton said O’Connor did not cooperate with an internal investigation, but there was sufficient evidence to warrant firing. The officer was placed on administrative duties immediately after the victim filed a complaint. An administrative hearing was held before Trafton made a decision to terminate O’Connor.

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