A Palatine man was arrested and charged after running over a police officer and an employee at a suburban Chicago bar. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning at the HOME Bar in Arlington Heights, where a fight had broken out among several patrons. Gorge Alberto, 22, was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, and failure to remain at the scene of a personal injury.
According to authorities, an employee from the bar and a Prospect Heights officer were attempting to intervene and break up the fight in the parking lot when Alberto, one of the suspects, got into a car and struck both the officer and the employee while fleeing the scene. Both victims were transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Fortunately, the injured officer managed to communicate the direction in which the vehicle was heading over the radio. Approximately ten minutes later, the car was spotted in Palatine, where an officer promptly stopped the vehicle at Rand and Bayside. Another Prospect Heights officer arrived to provide assistance.
Police noticed that Alberto exhibited signs of impairment and administered Field Sobriety Tests, which confirmed their suspicions. He was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Prospect Heights Police Department.
The incident serves as a concerning reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and employees who frequently find themselves in harm’s way while carrying out their duties. The Prospect Heights Police Department expressed relief that both victims involved in the incident were released from the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Gorge Alberto will face charges for his alleged role in the incident, including aggravated battery of a peace officer, aggravated battery, aggravated DUI, and failing to remain at the scene of a personal injury. The investigation is ongoing, and further details surrounding the incident may emerge as more information becomes available.
As a part of our ongoing commitment to providing accurate and timely news, we will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide updates as necessary. Our thoughts are with the injured officer, employee, and their families as they recover from this traumatic event.
