Chicago Police officer had crack cocaine in squad car, records say

Dec 29, 2023

By Megan Hickey

Updated on: June 3, 2023 / 6:38 PM / CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) -- A Chicago Police Officer has been relieved of his police powers after being caught with suspected crack and powder cocaine inside his squad car.

Police said the 38-year-old officer was arrested coming out of a Norwood Park neighborhood bar early Friday morning.

As CBS 2 Investigator Megan Hickey confirmed the arrest happened around 5:30 a.m. Police records show the arrest happened as Officer Antrinius Andrews was coming out of Teasers, at 7123 W. Higgins Ave.

A police report obtained by the CBS 2 Investigators shows Andrews was off duty at the time, but raised suspicions because he parked his squad car outside of the bar.

The report indicates Chicago Police were called to the scene because someone saw a man in plain clothes exit a parked Chicago Police Department vehicle and enter the bar.

A CPD officer approached Andrews and "detected a strong odor of alcohol," "along with a slurred speech." Andrews said he "had a few drinks," records say.

The CPD also observed a "clear plastic baggie containing a white residue" on the computer in the squad car, records say. Officers also found "additional clear plastic baggie containing a rock-like substance" suspected to be crack cocaine, records say.

There was also an additional zip lock bag "containing a white powder-like substance" was suspected to be powder cocaine, records say. Police also found an open bottle of vodka and a bottle of brandy in the squad.

Officer Andrews' weapon and a rifle were also inventoried.

The report went on to say that Andrews, who has been with the department since 2012, was placed into custody - and an Internal Affairs Division sergeant responded.

CPD confirmed that Officer Andrews has been relieved of his police powers, and his case is open with the Bureau of Internal Affairs.

He was charged with two felony counts of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to police and Office of Inspector General records, the Bureau of Internal Affairs recommended a 15-day suspension for Officer Andrews in 2020, after he was caught intoxicated on the job.

He was reported by another officer, and a breath test administered at Chicago Public Safety Headquarters found him over the legal limit.

We know the 2020 suspension was recommended, but we have not confirmed whether or not Andrews served it.

Andrews was out on a $10,000 I-bond Saturday with permission to travel to Florida for a drug and alcohol treatment program.

Megan Hickey is a member of the 2 Investigator team, focusing on topical investigative stories.

First published on June 2, 2023 / 4:04 PM

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