SUSPECT INJURED POLICE OFFICER IN STRUGGLE
DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin and Elmhurst Chief of Police Michael Ruth announced today that bond has been set for an Elgin man charged with beating a police officer and attempting to steal his service weapon and patrol vehicle. Alexander Speweik, 34 of the 3100 block of Heritage Parkway in Elgin, appeared at a bond hearing this morning where Judge Brian Telander set bond at $200,000 with 10% to apply. Speweik has been charged with one count of Attempting to Disarm a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), one count of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer (Class 2 Felony), one count of Attempt Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle (Class 3 Felony) and two counts of Resisting a Police Officer (Class 4 Felony).
On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at approximately 2:09 a.m., an officer on patrol with the Elmhurst Police Department observed a pedestrian, later identified as Speweik, on the roadway walking alone. The officer got out of his vehicle to check on Speweik’s well-being. After speaking with Speweik, the officer offered to drive him to the police station where his mother was going to pick him up. It is alleged that at this time, Speweik entered the driver’s seat of the officer’s vehicle, which was running in lockout mode (meaning it could not be driven) and shut the door behind him. At this time, the officer opened the squad car door and removed Speweik from the vehicle. It is alleged that Speweik resisted the officer, knocked the officer to the ground and got on top of the officer, pressing his knee into the officer’s head. It is further alleged that Speweik placed his hand on the officer’s firearm and attempted to take the firearm from the officer but was unable to. It is further alleged that Speweik struck the officer multiple times causing a laceration to his head. Another officer with the Elmhurst Police Department arrived at the scene and tased Speweik. It is alleged that Speweik resisted both officers as they attempted to place him in handcuffs.
“Day in and day out, our law enforcement officers face a dangerous uncertainty every time they put on their badge. Their job is unlike any other. Any encounter an officer may have, even when they are trying to help someone as in this case, may turn physical at any moment. I commend the officer involved in this incident not only for his willingness to help someone he believed was in need, but also for denying Speweik’s attempt to gain control of his firearm. We are all very grateful he was not seriously injured. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Lee Roupas, Grace Barsanti and Kelly McKay for their efforts in preparing a strong case against Mr. Speweik.”
— DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin
Speweik’s next court appearance is scheduled for December 21, 2021, for status. A booking photo “mug shot” was not available Thursday afternoon, December 16, 2021.
Members of the public are reminded that this complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant’s guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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