Two plead not guilty in cop attack

A pair of Chicago men accused of dragging an Antioch police officer from their car pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit court.

Arthur D. Bowman, 34, and Tanni V. Allen, 47, are charged with dragging Sgt. Rick Moritz after the pair attacked him during a traffic stop.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Marykay Foy said Moritz stopped a car driven by Bowman on Route 173 just after midnight on July 29 because of a broken headlight.

Moritz ordered Bowman out of the car when he refused to produce a driver's license, Foy said, and Bowman began fighting with Moritz.

Allen then restarted the car and Bowman began to get back in while still struggling with Moritz. The car moved forward and Moritz was knocked to his knees and dragged toward oncoming traffic.

Moritz fired a shot from his pistol into the car, and Bowman released the officer, Foy said.

Moritz suffered abrasions to his knees and was able to give other police a description of the suspects and their vehicle.

Both men were arrested a few hours later outside the Chicago address where the car is registered.

Foy said they are charged with aggravated battery to a police officer, aggravated fleeing and eluding and resisting arrest.

Associate Judge Theodore Potkojak told both they could face up to seven years in prison, and ordered them to appear in court Sept. 8.