Elgin man charged with battering woman in public

A 19-year-old Elgin man is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail after battering a woman in public Saturday while in possession of a handgun, according to police.

A passer-by in the area of Silver Street and Lawrence called police at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday reporting a man with a gun, and Antonio E. Spraggins took off running when police arrived, said Elgin Police Lt. Dan O’Shea.

An Elgin officer chased Spraggins and caught him a short distance away, still in possession of the handgun, O’Shea said.

During interviews, police learned Spraggins had seen a woman on the street that he had been in a previous relationship with and an argument took place, O’Shea said.

Police said the argument turned violent and Spraggins battered the woman.

He was charged with aggravated battery, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a license.’