Man Refuses To Leave Edgewater Restaurant, Punches Cop
CHICAGO (STMW) -- A man who walked into an Edgewater neighborhood Italian restaurant, took off his shoes and refused to leave was arrested about dinnertime Christmas Eve after he allegedly punched a responding police officer.
Police say the incident began after Matthew Parks, 38, of the 800 block of West Lawrence Avenue, walked into the restaurant at 1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. about 6 p.m. and refused to leave.
Francesca's is located at that location, according to the restaurant's website.
He took off his shoes and began cursing at patrons and staff members, who called police, Belmont Area police said.
When responding police tried to escort him from the restaurant, Parks allegedly resisted and punched at least one officer, police said.
Parks was charged with misdemeanor trespass, two counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and one count of resisting arrest.
Belmont Area detectives are investigating.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2010. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
