 |
| Justice Smith is charged with attacking the officer across from Wrigley Field. | Google; CPD |
A Kalamazoo, Mich., man is facing felony charges after he randomly attacked a police officer near Wrigley Field last weekend, according to allegations in court records.
The officer was sitting in his patrol car across from the stadium in the 1000 block of Addison around 4:15 p.m. when 23-year-old Justice Smith approached him while saying, “I’m gonna beat your ass,” the officer reported. Smith continued to approach the car aggressively, again threatened to batter the cop, and then repeatedly slammed the officer’s car door shut as the patrolman tried to get out to address the issue, according to the allegations.
After the officer managed to get out of the patrol car, Smith ran into a nearby 7-Eleven store where he flailed his arms and pushed the officer’s head down with his hands and arms as he tried to escape, police said.
Back-up officers arrived and took Smith into custody, but not before he damaged $157 worth of the store’s merchandise, according to charges. The original officer reported suffering a cut to the side of his face and behind his ear.
Prosecutors charged Smith with felony aggravated battery of a police officer and misdemeanor charges of reckless conduct, criminal damage to property, assault, and resisting police. Judge Michael Clancy released him on a recognizance bond.
—————–
Back CWB’s reporting team and we’ll reward you with members-only reports and services all year long. Join HERE for just $49 a year or $5 a month.
