CPD Commander Glenn Evans claims he was framed

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A former Chicago police commander, acquitted of shoving a gun in a suspect's mouth, is claiming he was framed.

Former Commander Glenn Evans spoke publicly for the first time about his case Thursday.

Evans said his reputation has been dragged through the mud and he wants redemption. That's why he spoke publicly for the first time about some of the allegations of brutality filed against him.

"I was forced to initiate legal action," Evans said. "I cannot and will not allow them or anybody else to falsely or maliciously malign my character."

Last December, a judge acquitted Evans of criminal charges alleging he threatened a suspect, Ricky Williams, putting the barrel of his gun down William's throat. It's one of dozens of complaints against the officer who has been on the force for three decades.

"He's an aggressive cop who doesn't belong on the streets. He's somebody who continuously violates people's civil rights," Antonio Romanucci, William's attorney, said.

Williams filed a civil rights suit against Commander Evans. But many in the community he once served said they are standing behind him.

"We support Glenn Evans because we believe in the type of commander that he is. Because he represents the very best of the Chicago Police Department," Father Mathew O'Donnell, St. Columbanus Church, said.

"He's never planted any drugs on anybody, never planted any guns, didn't need to play dirty," Victor Henderson, Evan's attorney, said.

Even though he's filed a federal lawsuit against the city, Evans remains a city employee. He has refused to retire and has been reassigned in the police department.