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Ingleside teen denies damaging squad car

An Ingleside teen who police say kicked out the window of a squad car after being arrested on charges of underage drinking pleaded not guilty Thursday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Miguel Gonzalez, 18, of 35035 Milwaukee, faces up to three years in prison if convicted of criminal damage to state property.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Fred Day said Gonzalez was with a small group of people outside a house in the 34000 block of Augustana about 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 24. When a Lake County sheriff's deputy on patrol asked what they were doing, Day said, Gonzalez became belligerent and shouted at the officer.

The deputy smelled alcohol on Gonzalez's breath, Day said, arrested him for underage drinking, handcuffed him and put him in the back seat of his squad car.

The deputy was speaking with others in the group when he heard a crash, Day said, and turned around to see Gonzalez had kicked out the driver's side rear window.

The deputy drew his Tazer on Gonzalez and ordered him to stop, Day said, and Gonzalez complied.

Court records show Gonzalez is on probation for convictions last year for aggravated battery and possession of a stolen car.

In addition to the penalty in his current case, Gonzalez could face 10 years in prison if his probation is revoked, Day said.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkonjak scheduled a trial of the case for Feb. 6, and ordered Gonzalez to appear in court Jan. 23.

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