CHICAGO — Drew Peterson, whose third wife died mysteriously and fourth wife vanished, had taunted authorities to come and get him — when he wasn’t clowning for the cameras. Thursday, they came for him.
The former Bolingbrook police sergeant, 55, was arrested at an intersection near his home shortly after his indictment in the murder of third wife Kathleen Savio, who was found drowned in an empty bathtub of her Bolingbrook, Ill., home in March 2004.
“Drew has steadfastly maintained his innocence regarding the rumor and innuendo that has circulated regarding the unfortunate death of Kathleen,” said Peterson attorney Andrew Abood.
The death of Savio, initially ruled an accident, was reinvestigated after Peterson’s then-23-year-old fourth wife, Stacy, disappeared in October 2007. Prosecutors said the Stacy Peterson case remained open Thursday night.
In connection with the alleged slaying of Savio, Peterson faces two counts of murder and is being held in lieu of $20 million bail, said Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow.
Glasgow declined to discuss the evidence against Peterson but said prosecutors may seek to admit statements made by Savio, essentially allowing her “to testify from beyond the grave.”
“We’re ecstatic,” Savio’s brother, Henry, said. “We’re really happy. Drew’s arrested, and we’re really happy.
“I think my sister is smiling and saying, ‘Good, it’s about time. It’s about time.’ ”
The rush of relief carried over to Stacy Peterson’s family, the couple’s neighborhood and everywhere else where people were offended by the ex-cop’s flaunting of his freedom with absurd stunts involving dating contests, Nevada brothels and TV appearances with his new 24-year-old girlfriend.
Police arrested Peterson at 5:35 p.m. in a traffic stop in Bolingbrook.
Crime-scene investigators arrived at Peterson’s house hours later, said Sharon Bychowski, his next-door neighbor. His four children were taken to the Bolingbrook Police Department and then transferred to the custody of the state Department of Children and Family Services.
