Woman who ran over Chicago police officer after stealing squad car acquitted, report says

CHICAGO (TND) — A woman accused of running over a Chicago police officer with his squad car while naked was acquitted of all charges on Wednesday, according to CBS Chicago.

A Cook County judge reportedly found Whitley Temple was not guilty of attempted murder, as well as not guilty by reason of insanity of aggravated battery to a police officer, vehicular hijacking and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Temple allegedly stole officer Edward Poppish’s police car in 2022 before driving over and dragging him with it, later crashing three miles awa. The officer had tried to help Temple while she was lying naked in the street prior to her purported hijacking, according to CBS Chicago.

Defense attorneys reportedly argued Temple was in a “psychotic state” during the hit-and-run and worrying her family. She purportedly had a “paranoid idea” people were trying to kill the women in her family, according to CBS Chicago.

Poppish reportedly received several stitches to his head and sustained a concussion. Temple must meet with mental health officials to develop a treatment plan, according to the outlet.

While she was awaiting trial, the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services hired her as a lead accountant, according to CBS Chicago. However, the department reportedly fired her in March.

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There have been nearly 2,400 aggravated batteries in Chicago this year, a 15% increase from 2022. In April, officer Luis Huesca was shot dead before the perpetrator stole his vehicle. The killing took place two days before Huesca’s birthday.

“No family or community should ever have to suffer such pain,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at the time. “Our city is grieving, and our condolences go out to their entire family as well as Luis’ fellow officers and community.”

Chicago Superintendent Larry Snelling argued Huesca was the victim of the type of crime he was trying to combat in “another sad day” for the Chicago Police Department. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) offered support for Huesca’s relatives.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of Police Officer Luis M. Huesca of the @Chicago_Police," NYPD posted on X. “He had served with his department for six years. #FidelisAdMortem.”

Follow Ray Lewis on X for trending national news @rayjlewis or send a tip to rjlewis@sbgtv.com.

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