Joliet officer badly beaten by suspect

Authorities say a Joliet police officer was seriously injured after a fight with a man who allegedly tried to burn down his ex-girlfriend's house.

Joliet police on Wednesday said the unnamed officer is in serious condition with a punctured lung, broken orbital bone and other facial and internal injuries.

Police say the 51-year-old officer responded to a call of a man throwing flower pots through the window of his former girlfriend's home and threatening to set it on fire.

They say the officer fought with the 29-year-old man, who allegedly continued the attack even after being sprayed with pepper spray.

The suspect was treated for minor leg injuries and will get a psychiatric evaluation. He hasn't yet been charged with a crime.