Springfield Police Chief says disgraced Sgt. failed his oath

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)— Community members expressed their disdain during Tuesday night's council meeting as Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette apologized on behalf of retired Sgt. Michael Egan.

Egan is facing felony charges after being accused of driving drunk and hitting a motorcyclist. Illinois State Police Troopers were called to the scene shortly after Springfield Police arrived.

Investigators say Egan failed to yield and hit a motorcycle. Both the driver and passenger were thrown from the bike.

The chief said during the meeting, "That oath doesn't end the day that you retire, that oath is something you take with you to your grave. That man failed this oath, that man embarrassed the profession of law enforcement. That man should be ashamed of his actions, his selfish actions that led to such a horrific crash." Egan had just retired. Chief Scarlett also reiterated his commitment to a transparent internal investigation of his office.

Many community members, including the injured driver, shared their concerns with the council about the recent police action.

Caitlin Weiss, the sister of the passenger who is still battling life-threatening injuries, stressed to the public, "I set these up myself for my baby sister because she can't speak and she can't breathe on her own right now. It was at the hands of an officer who worked 4 hours before the accident, so I don't care if you want to call him retired or not."

Weiss added, "There absolutely needs to be accountability, and there absolutely needs to be reform."

Tyler Hopkins, the injured motorcycle driver, also appeared before the council, demanding accountability in the case.

Egan is due back in court next month.