Palatine man gets probation for possession, police battery

A Cook County judge sentenced a 31-year-old Palatine man to three years probation Thursday in exchange for his guilty plea to cocaine possession and aggravated battery to a police officer.

The judge further ordered that Samuel Lopez Jr. submit to Intensive Probation Supervision, which requires him to report to his probation officer more frequently, submit to random drug tests, perform community service and comply with a curfew.

Additionally, the judge ordered Lopez to pay $2,735 in fines.

An Arlington Heights police officer pulled Lopez over for a traffic violation April 12 on the Dundee Road overpass above Route 53. Prosecutors said he behaved in a “furtive manner” when the officer approached. The officer saw Lopez toss away a plastic bag as he fled on foot, prosecutors said. When the officer apprehended Lopez, a struggle ensued, and authorities said Lopez tried to turn the Taser on the officer.