Officer found not guilty on felony reckless conduct charges in beanbag shooting

MARKHAM, Ill. (WLS) -- Followed by an entourage of police officers, a nervous Craig Taylor walked into court before the verdict. A few minutes later, the Park Forest cop walked out relieved as Judge Luciano Panici decided Taylor's decision to shoot 95-year-old John Wrana five times with a beanbag gun was neither excessive nor criminal.

Wrana's family argued that Taylor used excessive force during the close-range shooting. But according to Wednesday's verdict, Taylor was following his commander's orders when he and other officers were called to the Victory Center Retirement Home on July 26, 2013 in Park Forest.

Speaking for his client, Terry Ekl says a huge burden has been lifted off Taylor's back.

"He has not had a good night's sleep since the date he found out he was indicted, he wakes up in the middle of the night, it's had a terrible effect on him emotionally and I think it will take a while before that is over," Ekl said.

Taylor, 44, testified he feared for his life and those of his fellow officers when Wrana made threats and refused to drop a 12-inch filet knife. It took five rounds for the knife to finally drop. The World War II veteran died at the hospital after refusing a life-saving surgery - a decision supported by his family.

Ekl says this case should not be compared to any of the recent national cases involving police officers.

"This case is not to be compared to any other case, this case is based on facts and evidence and it stands by itself," Ekl said.

Wrana's family left the courthouse without comment. Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez defended her decision to prosecute Taylor.

"I think we have to be aware of the surroundings and I think restraint needs to be shown," Alvarez said. "I don't think that was shown by the officer in this particular case, and that's why I made the decision to bring the charges."

Taylor had been placed on desk duty but will now return to the streets. However, he now faces a $7 million civil suit - one his attorney believes has been weakened by the verdict in the criminal case.