Supt. McCarthy released from hospital, recovering at home

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago Police Supt. Garry McCarthy was released from Northwestern Memorial Hospital after undergoing a procedure to clear blocked arteries.

McCarthy checked himself into the hospital on Thursday morning after experiencing chest pains. Doctors found he had blocked arteries, and McCarthy underwent a procedure to clear them that same day.

He was released from the hospital on Saturday morning and "is doing very well, resting comfortably at home and looking forward to being back on patrol very soon," according to the Chicago Police Department.

During his three years as superintendent, McCarthy, 55, has been under a microscope, earning praise for his department's response to protests during the 2012 NATO summit while shouldering criticism for a violence problem that's drawn national attention.

In a recently aired documentary, McCarthy spoke of the stress he's been under.

"This is not even a job. It's a lifestyle. It's literally 24/7. It absolutely never ends," he said.

While the superintendent is recovering, First Deputy Superintendent Al Wysinger is in command.