(Chicago Tonight)

A threat made last week at the office of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability allegedly came from one of its own employees.

Chicago police descended on COPA’s West Chicago Avenue office last Friday following a report of an emailed threat. But COPA Chief Administrator Sydney Roberts said this week that threat was “false” and the sender has been identified as an agency employee.

“COPA takes all violations of law seriously. The waste of City resources in response to a false threat, the unnecessary alarm to our staff, other building occupants and (the) larger Chicago community was egregious,” Roberts said in a statement. “COPA staff members are held accountable for their actions and we appreciate CPD’s prompt and professional work in assessing and investigating the anonymous threat.”

UPDATE: This incident is clear. No offender identified. No operational impacts to the building. @ChicagoCaps12 will increase presence in the area as a precaution.

— Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) December 28, 2018

It’s not clear what alleged threat was contained in the email. No injuries were reported and Chicago police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said last week the threat did not result in any “operational impacts” at the building.

The employee – whose name has not yet been released – has been placed on leave, according to Roberts, and criminal charges have been referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

Contact Matt Masterson:@ByMattMasterson |[email protected]| (773) 509-5431

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