Cook County, IL–(ENEWSPF)– Bond was set Thursday at $350,000 for a Chicago man who assaulted Cook County Sheriff’s Deputies while in the Bridgeview courthouse, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced Thursday.
Jamal Smith, 28, is charged with two counts of felony resisting arrest and one count of felony aggravated battery to a peace officer.
Smith has been in the Cook County Jail since his October arrest on weapons charges. Monday, he was transported from the jail to the Bridgeview courthouse for a scheduled appearance. At the courthouse Smith was handcuffed and taken from a downstairs holding area up to the courtroom holding cell. While en route, Smith, apparently upset about the handcuffs, became combative and started a verbal altercation with deputies.
Once inside the holding cell, Smith continued to be combative and began yelling threats, telling one deputy that “he wouldn’t go home today”. For everyone’s safety deputies decided to remove him from the cell however when they told him to come out to be handcuffed he refused, issuing more threats. All other detainees were then removed and the three deputies entered the cell to handcuff Smith at which time he became physical. Three sheriff’s deputies were able to control and handcuff him but they were injured during that process.
All three were taken to area hospitals for treatment. One was treated and released after being bitten, while a second suffered a ruptured thumb ligament and will need surgery. A third is believed to have suffered a rotator cuff injury.
Smith has a lengthy criminal record, having been arrested six times on weapons charges and robbery, among others.
Smith is now back in the Cook County Jail. His next court date is scheduled for June 10th.
Source: cookcountysheriff.org
