Dad improving after cops say son pushed him down stairs
A Prairie Grove man remained hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday as authorities continued to investigate circumstances surrounding his fall down a flight of 20 stairs Sunday night during an altercation with his 20-year-old son.
Frank Glusic suffered a skull fracture, and doctors initially gave him a small chance of survival, but he was showing some signs of improvement Tuesday, said Nichole Owens, criminal division chief for the McHenry County state's attorney.
Christopher Glusic appeared in a McHenry County courtroom Tuesday on charges of domestic battery and resisting a peace officer filed in connection with the Sunday night incident but not directly related to the fall.
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An aggravated domestic battery charge alleging he pushed his father down the stairs was dismissed pending further investigation. Authorities will consider re-filing the charge, or perhaps even more serious allegations, depending on the outcome of the investigation and Frank Glusic's status, Owens said.
Authorities believe the elder Glusic fell Sunday night while trying to prevent his son from leaving the residence. Investigators are trying to determine whether the fall was accidental or the result of an intentional shove.
The domestic battery charge now pending against Christopher Glusic stems from an earlier confrontation between him and his father. The resisting charge alleges Glusic fought with police as they placed him under arrest Sunday night, causing one Prairie Grove officer to fall and suffer bruised ribs.
Glusic remained in custody at the McHenry County jail Tuesday, unable to post a $18,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court June 17.