Woodridge man charged with biting cop in face

A Woodridge man is being held on $350,000 bail after authorities said he attacked a police officer, bit him in the face and tried to take his gun.

Antonio Rome, 50, of the 2300 block of Vista Drive, is charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, resisting or obstructing a police officer, attempting to disarm a police officer and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Prosecutors said the attack occurred about 11 a.m. Wednesday when Rome punched Woodridge Sgt. Mark Walters, bit him and smashed his head on the ground.

Rome also is accused of trying to take Walters' service weapon from its holster, at which time the holster became twisted and Walters' gun was pointed at his own torso.

Neither prosecutors nor police said what led to the interaction between Rome and the officer, but at the time of his arrest, Rome was wanted on a Feb. 23 warrant with a charge of unlawful possession of a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamines.

Woodridge police declined to comment on the charges or Walters' condition, saying only that "a violent altercation occurred" and the case is still under investigation.

Rome's arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 2 in courtroom 4014. Should he post bail, he will be fitted with a GPS monitor and be restricted to his home and his attorney's office.