Police: Man fleeing fight injured after jumping from overpass

A man was injured Monday after jumping from an overpass on Lake-Cook Road down onto Route 53 to flee a fight with bat-wielding attackers, Lake County Sheriff's police say.

Police were called to a disturbance just after 6:30 p.m. and say two men on one bicycle were riding along Lake-Cook Road when they were approached by two or three other men in a vehicle, said sheriff's Det. Chris Covelli, a spokesman for the Lake County sheriff's office.

The vehicle, possibly a red SUV, stopped near the Route 53 overpass and the men exited armed with bats, he said. A verbal and physical altercation ensued.

One of the bicyclists jumped over the guard rail and fell down about 20 feet, landing near Route 53, he said. It was unclear whether he struck the pavement.

He was taken to a nearby hospital by Palatine Fire Department with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Lake County Sheriff's officers were assisted by Arlington Heights Police and Illinois State Police. Officers remained at the scene past 9 p.m. speaking with witnesses.

“It's still too early to say what possible charges anyone is facing,” Covelli said. “Detectives will have to sort out exactly what occurred. They are conducting a diligent investigation and are currently working to identify the offenders.”