Man denies hitting children with bat

A Libertyville man accused of attacking two children with a baseball bat pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Todd Short, 37, of the 200 block of Carriage Hill Circle, is charged with aggravated battery in the Sept. 11 attack.

Assistant State's Attorney James Newman said Short told police he was trying to scare a pair of boys, ages 11 and 12, who had rung the doorbell to his house and ran away.

Short chased down the children, Newman said, and struck one of the boys in the lower back with the bat and hit the other in the arm.

Neither boy was seriously injured, Newman said.

Short surrendered to police after learning a warrant had been issued for his arrest and was released after posting $500 for bond.

Circuit Judge Fred Foreman told Short he could be sentenced to up to five years in prison if convicted, but would also be eligible for probation.

Foreman ordered Short to appear in court Jan. 19.