(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago Police Supt. David Brown voiced a familiar complaint Tuesday after a particularly violent weekend in his city, saying the “catch-and-release” court system lets potentially dangerous suspects back onto violence-plagued streets.
The numbers are the worst for a Labor Day weekend in Chicago since 2016. According to Brown, there were 38 shooting incidents between Friday evening through Monday; 51 shooting victims and 10 homicides.
The police superintendent said Chicago officers recovered 201 illegal weapons, but he predicts the 146 people arrested in connection with the seized firearms will face few consequences when they go before judges.
“It’s a catch-and-release court system — a damn shame,” Brown said, twice.
Brown has criticized the court system previously, an apparent jab at the leniency of judges but also at prosecutors who may not be pushing for the strongest charges.
County officials say the most violent offenders should stay behind bars before trial.
Brown and Mayor Lightfoot last month sought to pressure Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx to throw the book at looters who hit several Chicago stores Aug. 10.