Chicago Police Superintendent Imposes Maximum 89 Day Suspension on Tactical Officer for Repeatedly Striking Detainee With Radio

Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling suspends Officer Michael Donnelly for 89 days after he used a radio to strike a man and pointed a gun at his head.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from WTTW News

The July 2024 Tactical Encounter in Cabrini-Green

A July 2024 incident involving the Near North Police District tactical team has resulted in significant disciplinary action for Officer Michael Donnelly. According to investigative reports from the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), the encounter began when officers monitoring surveillance cameras observed a man with a suspected firearm in the Cabrini-Green complex. After the individual attempted to flee and was eventually tackled by several officers, Donnelly arrived on the scene. Body-worn camera footage captured the officer immediately using aggressive language, including threats to shoot the suspect, while the man was already being pinned to the pavement by other personnel.

Physical Force and the Misuse of Department Equipment

Investigators determined that Donnelly’s actions during the arrest constituted excessive force and a direct violation of Chicago Police Department (CPD) policy. While several officers worked to immobilize the suspect, Donnelly reportedly used his department-issued radio as an impact weapon, striking the man on the left side of his head three times. CPD regulations explicitly state that officers should avoid using radios or flashlights as weapons unless no other practical options are available. COPA concluded that since the man was already being comprehensively restrained and was not assaulting officers, the use of the radio as a blunt instrument was not reasonably necessary.

Point-Blank Firearm Threats and Verbal Misconduct

In addition to the physical strikes, Donnelly was cited for improperly unholstering his firearm twice during the short encounter. Documentation shows that the officer pointed his gun at the man’s head from a very close distance while the suspect was being held down by his hair. The report also highlights Donnelly’s unprofessional behavior toward the public; after the arrest, he reportedly confronted a crowd of onlookers, using derogatory language and shouting at a bystander who was filming the scene. COPA noted that members of the public have a First Amendment right to observe and criticize public servants without being subjected to such verbal abuse.