Court date for man accused of punching Vernon Hills cop

A court appearance is set next week for a Vernon Hills man who authorities say punched a village police officer outside of a supermarket where the man worked.

Steven B. Rollo, 46, of the 400 block of Cherry Valley Road, was charged with battery, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct in connection with the altercation at Mariano's Fresh Market. Rollo, who is free on a $1,500 recognizance bond, is to appear Monday, March 16, in Lake County circuit court.

Vernon Hills police spokesman Kim Christenson said officers were called about 2:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, after Rollo "made a verbal threat to murder" a store official, which led the disorderly conduct charge. Christenson said police were told by a Mariano's representative it was believed Rollo was intoxicated on the job.

Christenson said Rollo punched an officer in the chest while authorities were investigating at Mariano's. Rollo's head hit the sidewalk when he struggled with police outside the store, authorities said.

Officers smelled alcohol on Rollo and observed additional indicators that led them to believe he was intoxicated, Christenson said.

Countryside Fire Protection District paramedics took Rollo to Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, where he was treated for a laceration on the back of his head. He later was released into police custody.