MCSD finally posts media release

The McHenry County Sheriff's Department has finally posted a media release about Saturday's incident north of Marengo.

Being picky about wording, I wonder why the deputies went to Bolen's residence "in an attempt" to serve a warrant. No, they went there to serve it.

How many hours of employee time (over-time?) do you suppose went into writing this media release? Did MCSD pass it by its lawyers before posting it?

Did it exist for a considerable period of time before being posted? The Chicago Tribune was first to publish information, doing so online on Saturday at 9:09PM. Northwest Herald published information in the Sunday morning print edition and online Sunday at 5:30AM.

The unsigned median release, over Sheriff Nygren's name, appears below:

"Sheriff Keith Nygren announced that on September 29, 2012 at 12:18 P.M. members of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division went to 2905 Northwest Road, in unincorporated Marengo Township in an attempt to serve a domestic battery warrant on Edward P. Bolen.

"Sheriff’s deputies saw Bolen within the residence and made contact with him and a roommate. Upon entry into the residence, Bolen pointed a handgun at them. Sheriff’s deputies fired their weapons at Bolen, but he was not struck. He retreated to a room in the basement and barricaded himself.

"The McHenry County Sheriff’s SWAT team responded to the scene. The SWAT team entered the room and Bolen brandished a knife at team members. Bolen was incapacitated after he was struck twice with bean bag rounds, and taken into custody. Marengo Township Fire Protection District responded and provided medical attention to Bolen. Bolen was treated at Woodstock Memorial Hospital and released into Sheriff’s Office custody.

"No Sheriff’s deputies were injured during this incident. The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office requested the Illinois State Police for assistance in this officer involved shooting.

"Further investigation regarding this incident is being conducted by the Illinois State Police. Please direct any additional media inquiries to the Illinois State Police."

Bolen was identified and the charges were listed.

And then there is this statement (italics in the original): Sheriff Nygren reminds the media and public that charges are merely allegations and that persons arrested are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.

Don't you just love the word "merely"? No, Keith, they are allegations. And the public and the media don't need a "reminder". We know that.