Waukegan man pleads not guilty to charges he battered police

A 20-year-old Waukegan man pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of fighting with Waukegan police on Jan. 4.

Christopher K. Simmons, of the 2200 block of Grand Avenue, faces two counts of aggravated battery against a peace officer. He was out on bond on other charges at the time of his arrest.

Waukegan police Cmdr. Joe Florip said officers were searching for Simmons because he was wanted on a warrant. Florip said Simmons resisted and started a fight with officers when confronted.

"I would describe it as a very physical altercation," Florip said, adding that the officers suffered minor injuries.

The charges are the most recent of several cases pending against Simmons.

In July, he was arrested and later charged with multiple counts of identity theft and theft, Gurnee police officer Shawn Gaylor said Thursday.

Gaylor said officers were told that a man matching Simmons' description had been stealing from bags left behind by roller coaster riders at Six Flags Great America.

The officers confronted Simmons and noticed that he and his companion had some of the missing possessions on them, Gaylor said. When the officers questioned Simmons, he fled. Officers captured Simmons after a chase through the amusement park, Gaylor said.

Simmons is being held at the Lake County jail on $75,000 bail. He is due back in court on Feb. 19.