Readers React To Skokie Police Officer's Arrest

Wednesday marked a momentous day for the Skokie Police Department and its Officer Michael Hart.

Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez' office charged Skokie Police Officer Michael Hart with felony aggravated battery and official misconduct, and then the Skokie Police Department placed Hart on administrative leave, saying it was conducting an internal investigation and could bring disciplinary action against Hart. 

The state's attorney's office said that while Hart was trying to process DUI suspect Cassandra Feuerstein at the Skokie Police Station on March 10, he forcibly shoved her across a cell and face-first into a cement bench, shattering her facial bones and resulting in severe injuries, Alvarez' office said.

Earlier: Skokie Police Officer Arrested, Charged With Felony In Feuerstein Case
Earlier: Skokie Places Arrested Cop on Leave, Continues Investigating

Patch.com readers had plenty to say about the developments, making 72 comments on the arrest story as of late Thursday night. Here is a selection of what they said. 

Paul said: I agree with Brian and John that there is a lot of vitriol in these posts, but the sad truth is that Officer Hart lost his temper and abused a DUI suspect in custody, resulting in grievous bodily harm. The other officers present conducted themselves professionally. I hate to see a nineteen year career end like this but there really is no other possible outcome. Getting pulled over for DUI is not supposed to result in lifelong pain and disfigurement inflicted not behind the wheel, but in a police station at the hands of those sworn to serve and protect. I appreciate the anguish of officer Hart's family and friends, and I'm sure he wishes he could have that moment back, but what's done is done.

Steven M. Levin said: @ Paul, the police officer was put on desk duty, ONLY AFTER THE VIDEO WENT PUBLIC and the law suit was brought against the village, police dept, and Hart !! They did nothing and hoped it went away. Now he's suspended with pay during investigation. I believe the investigation just started recently, not in March.

Brian Russell said: "Officer Hart was doing the job he was hired for and gets felony charges. The police should quit arresting people and then see what these idiots have to say."

John Wagner said: "There should be a protest at village hall to get the mayor to comment on this. O by the way, I have been a Police Officer for 29 years."

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SmartIsis said: "Why hasn't Hart been officially fired ? Why does he continue to still receive a salary from SPD ? Hasn't he cost the taxpayers of Skokie enough so far ? That lawsuit will probably be settled in the high millions of dollars to Ms. Feuerstein, and deservedly so. I saw the video multiple times, and that poor woman is lucky to be alive..."

Jdbeverly said: "I agree with SmartIsis and want to ask the bigger question as to why there is no residential requirement for Village PD? Hart is "of Gurnee.""

Ko said: "Let's make sure nobody pats Anita Alvarez, the SPD or Mayor Van Dusen on the back for this. The video and the civil suit are the only reason anything is happening. Period."

Alexia Soutsos-Abrams said, "Hart (I won't even give him the title of OFFICER), deserved to be arrested for what he had done to that woman. No one should have to go through something like that. Looking forward to his punishment!!"