Illinois State's Attorney Responds In Writing To Outraged Bicycle Community

The outrage at the light sentences received by two men who got drunk then got into a car and proceeded to hunt down and strike bicyclists in Brookfield, Illinois has been widespread.  The Illinois State's Attorney has responded in writing to a flood of criticism and numerous requests for an explanation.  Click here to see the official response.

Illinois State's Attorney Blames Judge For Light Sentences To Two Men Who Hunted For And Struck Bicyclists

State's Attorney Anita Alvarez has tonight responded to pressure from Chicago's bicycling community to explain why two men who intentionally hunted for and struck bicyclists with their car were given seemingly light sentences.  According to the Active Transportation Alliance, which initiated a letter writing campaign to compel Ms. Alvarez's office to justify the sentences, the state's attorney's office has revealed that "the prosecutor had requested that the two men have harsher penalties, but ultimately it was Judge Carol Kipperman’s decision to give Reza 10 days in jail with two years of probation and Fabian two years of probation."  Apparently, Ms. Alvarez has agreed to discuss the matter further with representatives of the Alliance.

Ten Days in Jail for Intentionally Striking a Bicyclist

Yesterday, a Chicago man was sentenced to 10 days in jail, followed by probation, for intentionally striking an unlucky bicyclist with his car in Brookfield.  The sentence was handed down by Cook County Judge Carol Kipperman.  The driver and his buddy were intoxicated at the time of the incident and allegedly took turns behind the wheel hunting down cyclists.  The other driver is scheduled to be in court Monday and is also charged with striking a bicyclist.  Neither of the two bicyclists struck in the attacks on May 31, 2009 sustained life-threatening injuries.  This story was reported by chicagobreakingnews.com.

This matter is hard to swallow.  To say that this is a light sentence for what sounds like attempted murder is putting it mildly.  I hope there is more to the story than is being reported.  Otherwise, this is the sort of outcome that may chip away at the public's faith in our courts.