MARKHAM, Ill. – An expert on police tactics says "unreasonable and unnecessary" force was used by suburban Chicago police who fired beanbag rounds at a knife-wielding 95-year-old.
Park Forest Officer Craig Taylor is on trial on a felony reckless conduct charge in the death of John Wrana. The victim refused treatment after being hit by beanbags from a shotgun fired by the 43-year-old Taylor.
Consultant Francis R. Murphy testified Wednesday that the July 2013 incident at Wrana's assisted living apartment was an officer-created crisis. He said Wrana posed no threat to the officers if left alone in his room.
Murphy said the officers could have used their ballistic shield to protect themselves. Murphy later conceded Wrana could have been seriously injured if officers used the shield to knock him to the floor.
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