Record #: R2015-189   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 3/18/2015 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 3/18/2015
Title: Gratitude extended to Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Barry Quinn on heroic action leading to capture of fleeing murder suspect
Sponsors: Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2015-189.pdf

RESOLUTION

 

 

WHEREAS, Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Barry Quinn is being hailed as a hero for his decisive actions which resulted in the apprehension of a violent murder suspect who attempted to flee the Leighton Criminal Courthouse at 26th Street and California Avenue; and

 

WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of this event by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and

 

WHEREAS, Criminal Court Judge Peggy Chiampas had just ordered that Deshawn Johnson be held without bail when the suspect suddenly bolted by astonished spectators and ran out the door of Courtroom 101; and

 

WHEREAS, Seeing the suspect was attempting to flee, Judge Chiampas called out in a loud voice, "Mr. Quinn, stop him!" and

 

WHEREAS, Barry Quinn immediately sprang into action in hot pursuit of Deshawn Johnson; and

 

WHEREAS, The athletic-minded Barry Quinn, an outstanding athlete renowned for lightening speed who plays on three softball teams and is an award-winning Gaelic football player, soon caught up with the suspect; and

 

WHEREAS, Within moments Barry Quinn was able to grab hold of the suspect's coat and tackle him to the ground in the hallway outside the courtroom; and

 

WHEREAS, Behind Barry Quinn were a half dozen deputy sheriffs who helped to subdue the flailing suspect; and

 

WHEREAS, Even when re-captured by authorities, Deshawn Johnson was heard to yell out, "Kill me, kill me now, because I do not want to go back!"; and

 

WHEREAS, Deshawn Johnson was considered an extremely dangerous and violent suspect who had been arrested in connection with the October 2014 murder of a Chinese restaurant employee, Chang Qui, and two separate armed robberies; and

 

 

WHEREAS, Authorities allege that Deshawn Johnson killed Chang Qui because he was disappointed that he only got $20 in cash during the robbery of the See Thro Chinese Kitchen at 5729 West Madison Street; and

 

WHEREAS, A gun was later found by police in Deshawn Johnson's home in the 5200-block of West Quincy Street; and

 

WHEREAS, Barry Quinn, a seven-year veteran of the office, displayed courage and swift actions that resulted in the capture of a fleeing murder suspect; now, therefore

 

BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this eighteenth day of March, 2015, do hereby congratulate Barry Quinn for his heroism; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Barry Quinn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alderman - 14th Ward