By: Diane Benjamin
Original story: https://blnnews.com/2026/01/09/bloomington-fireman-8-i-think/
I didn’t think anyone had worse handwriting than me, but I found a judge who is at least a close rival.
All the charges were dismissed against Bloomington fireman Jon Caponi yesterday. It turns out the dashcam video didn’t match what the deputy testified to and wrote in his report. Video showed Jon’s vehicle never crossed the centerline which means there was no probable cause to stop him. Without probable cause everything else in the report is immaterial.
MTS is Motion to Suppress. P. C. is probable cause.
Is Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Gardner still employed? Is the County going to at least reimburse Jon for the legal fees he incurred? Didn’t the Assistant State’s Attorney look at the video before deciding to charge Jon? The police report is below this ruling.
Good info. This happens a lot or seems in county.
Lesson here for both parties.
For the driver, don’t drink and drive. Your lucky the Deputy failed to follow procedure and had no PC, because 99% of the public without lawyers would have taken a plea deal or just been screwed with a DUI charge.
For the Deputy, do a better job. In order to protect the public, the Law must also protect the Citizens Rights. Much of a hindrance as it may seem, because one may never know if one day you too may be sitting in the defendant’s chair demanding those rights be respected and upheld as written.