Elgin police lieutenant who fatally shot woman on tollway to return to full duty ‘with limited public interaction’

An Elgin police lieutenant who fatally shot a woman last year is being reinstated to full duty, with no discipline, but “in an administrative capacity with limited public interaction at this time,” after a decision by the police chief and city manager.

Lt. Christian Jensen has been on paid leave since he shot resident Decynthia Clements on March 12, 2018, a tragedy that has roiled the city for nearly 18 months. “I have been diligent to listen to all voices for the purpose of finding a remedy that could move the community and the police department forward in healing,” Elgin Police Chief Ana Lalley said in her 36-page report released Wednesday evening.

City Manager Rick Kozal released his own statement saying he concurs with Lalley. “Now begins the hard work of sitting down with others we don’t always agree with to find solutions to our common issues,” he said.

Jensen was found justified in using deadly force by the Cook County state’s attorney’s office after an investigation by the Illinois State Police, and by Hillard Heintze, a consultant hired by the city. Lalley’s report concurred with that and also cleared Jensen of three policy violations that had been highlighted by Hillard Heintze.

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