Former Robbins acting police Chief Carl Scott is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly attacking a man who was filming at the police station where he had gone to file a complaint.
Scott was placed on unpaid leave by Robbins Mayor Darren Bryant immediately following the July 1 encounter, according to a village statement from spokesperson Sean Howard. That same day, Bryant contacted the Cook County sheriff’s office to request an investigation, officials said.
Choosing not to wait for the outcome of an investigation by the sheriff’s public integrity unit, Bryant later moved to fire Scott. But before the mayor could fire him, Scott resigned.
Bryant remained in communication with the Village Board and the Cook County sheriff’s office throughout the investigation, officials said.
“The mayor also informed residents during his mayor’s report of the Robbins Village Board meeting within six days of the incident,” the statement reads. “Every action by the mayor was transparent and inclusive of the village board.”
Scott, 47, was charged with aggravated battery, official misconduct and theft.
After his first court appearance in Markham Friday, Scott was released from custody and ordered not to have contact with the witnesses. He was also ordered to stay away from the Robbins Police Department.
The court complaints states a 43-year-old man went to the police station July 1, and that Scott knocked his cellphone from his hands and struck him with a closed fist, causing bruising and swelling.
Howard said Bryant has encouraged all public safety personnel to be mindful of their actions.
“The mayor has always strongly encouraged all Village of Robbins Public Safety personnel to understand the importance of consistency of action and principled behavior,” it reads. “Moreover, to possess high ethical expectations of self and others.”
Scott is due back in court Aug. 29.
smoilanen@chicagotribune.com
