Authorities say a Round Lake man punched a Lake County sheriff’s deputy in her face twice during a traffic stop after he drove into oncoming traffic in Ingleside.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a reckless driver around 4:40 p.m. Tuesday.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said the 911 callers indicated the driver of a Chevrolet Silverado was driving into the oncoming lanes of traffic and running vehicles off the roadway.
A Lake County sheriffโs deputy located the vehicle in the area of Wilson Road and Rollins Road in Ingleside.
The driver, Carlos Ambriz-Abrego, 50, of the 24500 block of West Stub Avenue in Round Lake, was sleeping behind the wheel when the deputy arrived.
The deputy knocked several times but Ambriz-Abrego was unresponsive.
Covelli said the deputy began attempting to break a rear window to gain entry to the vehicle because it was unknown if Ambriz-Abrego was suffering a medical emergency.
While striking the window, Ambriz-Abrego woke up and drove northbound on Wilson Road at a high rate of speed, Covelli said.
The deputy returned to her squad car and was able to initiate a traffic stop in the area of Route 59 and Wilson Road in Ingleside.
Ambriz-Abrego appeared intoxicated while speaking with the deputy, Covelli said.
Ambriz-Abrego initially had his vehicle turned off but attempted to start his car while the deputy was speaking to him.
The deputy removed Ambriz-Abregoโs keys from the ignition to prevent him from fleeing and potentially causing a crash.
Covelli said that Ambriz-Abrego refused to exit his vehicle when instructed by deputies.
The female deputy began removing Ambriz-Abrego from the vehicle and he punched her in the face, Covelli said.
Covelli said Ambriz-Abrego continued struggling with deputies and he punched the first deputy in the head a second time.
“The deputy sustained minor injuries, but due to her toughness and tenacity, is already back to work,” Covelli said.
Deputies called an ambulance for Ambriz-Abrego because they were unsure if he could have been suffering a medical emergency.
He was evaluated by paramedics and denied having any medical conditions. He was released back into the custody of deputies.
Ambriz-Abrego was transported to the Lake County Jail where he was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, resisting arrest causing injury and a number of traffic-related offenses.
Additional charges are possible, including driving under the influence charges.
Ambriz-Abrego remains held in the Lake County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court again on December 8.