A 21-year-old man allegedly lit multiple political campaign signs on fire in Crystal Lake hours before polls opened Tuesday and then battered police officers who tried to arrest him.
Frank B. Held, 21, of the 7500 block of Foxfire Drive in Crystal Lake, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a peace officer, two counts of criminal damage to government-supported property, resisting a peace officer and criminal trespass.
A criminal complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court alleges Held started a fire at Veteran Acres Park, 431 North Walkup Avenue in Crystal Lake, just before 2 a.m. Tuesday.
Multiple political campaign signs were burned in the fire, including signs for McHenry County sheriff candidates Tony Colatorti and Robb Tadelman.
Officers responded to the scene and attempted to arrest Held but he kicked a police sergeant on the left forearm, the complaint said.
Held also allegedly pinched another officer on the right wrist.
While resisting arrest, Held damaged an outer vest carrier worn by a third officer, the complaint said.
Crystal Lake Deputy Police Chief Thomas Kotlowski said Wednesday that the police report regarding the incident has not been finalized yet so he could only provide limited details.
Kotlowski said the police department had been unable to contact all of the parties affected by the crime at the time charges were filed.
Four out of the six parties affected have pressed charges and the police department is continuing to speak with the victims to add charges as needed, he added.
Held remains held in the McHenry County Jail on a $10,000 bond as of Wednesday morning. He would need to post $1,000 cash to be released.
Held is scheduled to appear in court on July 12.