Trial begins for cop accused of shoving gun down suspect's throat

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The man who accused Chicago Police Commander Glenn Evans of threatening him and shoving the barrel of a gun down his mouth took the stand Tuesday.

The police commander is charged with aggravated battery and official misconduct for allegedly shoving his 45. Caliber semi-automatic down Rickey Williams' throat in January 2013. Tuesday was the first day in the bench trial.

Believing he had a gun, Evans chased Williams into a vacant house on January 30, 2013. Williams said Evans shoved the gun down Williams' throat to his tonsils while holding a Taser to his groin and said, "Where are the guns?"

No gun was ever found on Williams, but his DNA was found on Evans' gun, leading to charges. Prosecutors argued Evan's actions crossed the line, that he used excessive force, violated the public trust, and broke the law.

Evans lawyers call the case a "laundry list of nothing." They said Williams' account is filled with contradictions; he can't remember when he was cuffed, misidentified officers, and frequently answered questions with "I don't remember."

Apart from faulty recollection, the DNA evidence is the key. How did Williams' saliva wind up on Evans gun if it wasn't placed in Williams mouth?

The bench trial, which is expected to last about a week, comes as the USDOJ launches an investigation into the Chicago Police Department's use of force and accountability following the release of video showing Laquan McDonald, 17, being shot 16 times by a Chicago police officer.