Richton Park man faces charges after fight with state trooper
Sun-Times Media June 12, 2012 9:20AM
Maps
Updated: July 14, 2012 6:23AM
A Richton Park man who fought with an Illinois State Police trooper for at least 10 minutes along Interstate 57 near University Park early Tuesday was expected to be charged with aggravated battery to a police officer and resisting arrest upon his release from a hospital, police said.
Mark A. Gaston, 46, was walking on the shoulder of northbound I-57 near Stuenkel Road at 1:18 a.m. when the trooper saw Gaston, police said. The trooper pulled over and attempted to talk to Gaston, who then attacked the officer, police said.
The trooper called for assistance, and officers from Monee, Richton Park, University Park, Crete and Peotone arrived on the scene. A struggle lasting 10 to 15 minutes ensued before the other officers arrived and subdued Gaston, police said.
Both the trooper and Gaston were taken to St. James Hospital and Health Centers in Olympia Fields for minor injuries, police said. The trooper, who suffered cuts to his hands, was treated and released, police said.
Gaston, who suffered injuries to his head and face, was to be transported to Will County Jail and charged upon his release from the hospital, police said.
“When pedestrians are wandering aimlessly on the expressways, it presents dangerous challenges for our troopers and motorists,” State Police Joliet District Capt. Bridget Bertrand said in a news release, “and the quick action by the trooper prevented a more serious accident or tragedy from occurring.”
