Chicago police: University of Iowa doctor filed false stabbing report

Chicago Police have charged Dr. Gary Hunninghake, director of the Institute for Clinical and Translational Sciences at the University of Iowa, after they say he admitted falsifying a stabbing report.

Hunninghake, 63, of 1008 Highland Park Circle, faces a felony disorderly conduct after police said he filed a police report saying he was stabbed by three people in the early morning on April 24 when jogging downtown at 151 East Lower Wacker Dr. Police said he summoned help from someone passing by and the Chicago Fire Department responded. He was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries and an extensive investigation ensued, police said.

UI Spokesman Tom Moore said Hunninghake has been on paid leave from his position of Director of the Institute for Clinical and Transitional Sciences since April 23. Moore said the UI Department of Public Safety's investigation of Hunninghake was the reason for being placed on leave, but could not comment on specifics. He did however note that there were five search warrants executed in connection with the investigation.

During a news conference Tuesday, Superintendent of Police Jody Weis, said the detectives identified inconsistencies in statements provided by Hunninghake and determined the story was fabricated.

“At a time when resources are already stretched thin, Mr. Hunninghake's actions were not only criminal, but irresponsible and unfair to the residents and visitors of our great city,” Weis said, adding that Hunninghake embarrassed the city.

According to an article posted on the Chicago Tribune's website, as Hunninghake left the jail Tuesday afternoon after posting a $25,000 bond he was “doing better,” adding that “spending the night in jail would make anyone distraught.”

When asked what he was trying to do he replied, “You know, I'm not really sure, I'm not really sure,” according to the article. He also said the investigation at the UI was not the issue. The article also said his attorney, Robert Fisher, said Hunninghake is the father of three children and has a “good character.”

Hunninghake has worked at the UI since 1981 and his salary last year was $332,509, according to state records. More said his position involves research and overseeing his staff and he had not been seeing patients.

Attempts to reach Hunninghake for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.

The Chicago Tribune's story on the incident can be found

here. Dr. Hunninghake's University of Iowa faculty page is

here.