FOX LAKE, Ill. (AP) — A coroner in the spotlight for releasing controversial details about the death of a northern Illinois police officer has dropped re-election plans.
Lake County Coroner Thomas Rudd withdrew his bid for the Democratic nomination Monday, which came a day before he was set to contest a challenge to his paperwork.
Rudd wouldn’t discuss his decision. The Daily Herald reports two Republicans challenged his paperwork, but details haven’t been publicized.
Rudd came under fire after telling media outlets that Fox Lake Police Lt. Joe Gliniewicz died of a “single devastating” gunshot wound, which authorities claimed could’ve jeopardized the case. Later, authorities announced Gliniewicz killed himself but staged it to look like a homicide.
Lake County Democratic Party Vice Chairman Pete Couvall tells he believes Rudd’s clashes with law enforcement made him an election target.