SUBURBAN MAN ATTEMPTS TO STRIKE OFFICER WITH CAR
Wednesday, March 17, 2010 — A Northlake man, apparently upset that a police officer would not move away from a gas pump quickly enough was arrested after he made multiple attempts to strike that officer with his car, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart announced.
Juan Gutierrez-Cabrera, 28, of the 200 block of Maplewood in Northlake, is charged with assault for the Sunday incident in the area outside Sam’s Club, 141 W. North Ave.
A 14-year Cook County Sheriff’s Police Gang Investigator was standing at a gas pump and had just finished fueling his vehicle in the near-empty station, which had 24 pumps. He was talking with another gang investigator, who was at a gas pump directly across from him, when he said he felt something behind him. That’s when the officer saw that Gutierrez-Cabrera had sped up behind him and had come within inches of striking his leg. Gutierrez-Cabrera then backed up his 2001 Buick Century but again sped up and stopped just inches from the officer. The officer yelled at him to stop, identified himself as an officer and opened his jacket to show the driver his badge, body armor and police radio. Gutierrez-Cabrera responded by lunging his car forward, forcing the officer to quickly move to the side to avoid being struck.
Gutierrez-Cabrera responded by turning his wheels toward the officer and accelerating toward him. That’s when the officer drew his weapon and ordered the driver out of his car. Gutierrez-Cabrera later said the officer didn’t move out of his way fast enough, which upset him.
A charge of misdemeanor assault was approved against Gutierrez-Cabrera. He was also cited for driving without a license and having no insurance. His car was towed after police arranged alternate transportation for his wife and children, who were also in the car.
Gutierrez-Cabrera will appear in Maywood court on April 20.
