Harvey Police Commander Suspended

Thelma Sardin |

Darnell Keel has been suspended from his job as a Harvey Police commander without pay. His teenage son allegedly stole his police-assigned SUV. The driving spree ended in a crash critically injuring another automobilist outside of Ingalls Memorial Hospital.

On Jan. 2. Divonne Keel, 17, of Matteson allegedly took his fathers keys to a 2003 Ford Explorer that is owned by the Harvey Police Department.

According to the Cook County States Attorneys office, Keel did not have permission or authority to use the vehicle.

Keel allegedly drove from Matteson to Harvey. Keel was spotted driving southbound on Wood St. by a Harvey police officer that recognized the vehicle and noticed the police lights were engaged, according to the Cook County States Attorneys office.

At 156th& Wood, Keel allegedly drove through a red light striking a woman in a 2007 Ford Focus and two parked vehicles.

The Citizen contacted Sandra Alvarado, Harvey Police spokesperson for more information regarding the suspension. The Citizen asked the cause of Keels suspension and its duration. Alvarado said she could not release any further information on the case because it is still pending.

Divonne Keel has been charged with aggravated possession of a stolen law enforcement vehicle and aggravated reckless driving, according to the Cook County States Attorneys office.

Darnell Keel has been a Harvey police commander since 2003 and was suspended soon after the incident.

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