Prosecutors allege that a man fought and injured multiple Waukegan police officers and attempted to escape from custody twice while at Vista Medical Medical Center East on Friday.
Elijah Thomas, 23, of Waukegan, was charged with five counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, three counts of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, escaping custody, criminal damage to government property, two counts of resisting a peace officer and one count of obstructing a peace officer.
On Friday, Waukegan police officers on patrol saw Thomas walking on a public street with open alcohol, Lake County Assistant State’s Attorney Manuel Mandujano said.
Officers made contact with Thomas, who allegedly gave officers a fake name.
Officers attempted to pat Thomas down when they noticed part of a gun on him, but Thomas tried to run away, Mandujano said.
Thomas and an officer fell to the ground, which caused the officer to sustain a knee injury.
Five to six officers tried to arrest Thomas, but the man resisted, headbutted an officer and struck another officer with his hand, Mandujano said
A Springfield 9mm handgun with a loaded magazine was allegedly recovered from Thomas.
Thomas does not have a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or concealed carry license.
He is also a convicted felon after pleading guilty to resisting a peace officer, possessing a firearm by a gang member and receiving or possessing a stolen vehicle in a 2018 Waukegan case.
Thomas was transported to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan and was handcuffed to a bed, Mandujano said.
Thomas asked to use the bathroom, so officers uncuffed him to do so.
Thomas exited the bathroom and ran down the hallway to escape, Mandujano said.
He was able to get to the front doors of the hospital before he allegedly tackled a security guard.
Multiple officers then struggled with Thomas in an attempt to get him back in cuffs, Mandujano said.
An officer sustained scrapes to their elbow and knees after the struggle.
Officers were able to control Thomas and were bringing him back into the hospital when he allegedly tried to escape again.
Officers ended up putting Thomas in a wheelchair.
Thomas allegedly kicked an officer while in the wheelchair and bit another officer.
While transporting Thomas to the Waukegan Police Department, he allegedly kicked and damaged the back of a police squad car, Mandujano added.
Lake County Judge Christopher Lombardo ordered Mandujano held in the Lake County Jail until he appears for his detention hearing on Monday afternoon.