Man accused of killing Chicago police commander denied bond

CHICAGO, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The man charged in the fatal shooting of a Chicago police commander was denied bond, local court judge ordered on Thursday.

44-year-old suspect, Shomari Legghette, appeared Thursday morning in the criminal courthouse in city center packed with dozens of officers. Judge Mary Maubio denied his bail request, saying he "poses a real and present threat to the physical safety of the community."

Legghette has been charged with first-degree murder of a police officer, aggravated use of a weapon by a felon and drug charges. Legghette is a four-time felon who had just finished parole for a drug conviction.

Police said Legghette had been on the run from police in downtown Chicago Tuesday afternoon, as tactical officers found him acting suspiciously. Hearing what happened through radio, 18th district police commander Paul Bauer tried to help tactical officers make a street stop on him.

Bauer chased down and attempted to detain Legghette at the top of the stairwell outside the Thompson center. Legghette then stumbled down the stairs, and Bauer followed him down the stairs.

The struggle continued there before Legghette drew his 9 mm handgun and fired several shots, fatally wounding Bauer. Enditem