Former Waukegan cop convicted of throwing handcuffed man to ground

Former officer found guilty in handcuff throwing incident

A Lake County judge has found a former Waukegan police officer guilty of misdemeanor reckless conduct for an arrest in December 2023.

Richard Tabisz was convicted after an incident involving an allegation that he threw a handcuffed man to the ground.

The conviction stems from a December 14, 2023 arrest in Waukegan. A Lake County judge found Tabisz guilty of misdemeanor reckless conduct. The judge acquitted Tabisz of a felony charge of official misconduct and a misdemeanor count of battery.

WGN News reported that Tabisz faced felony official misconduct and misdemeanor battery to a civilian after the incident.

Body camera footage led to conviction

The incident came to light when Waukegan police command staff presented evidence to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office. The presentation included several body-worn camera recordings.

Lake County State's Attorney Eric Rinehart stated that the body-worn camera footage clearly showed Tabisz's criminal conduct.

Waukegan has used body-worn cameras since 2016. The SAFE-T Act made it a requirement that all law enforcement agencies use body-worn cameras.

Sentencing set for June

Sentencing for Tabisz is set for June 11.

Tabisz is a former Waukegan police officer. The conviction adds to concerns about police conduct in Lake County.