Waukegan officer punched during traffic stop, police say

A Waukegan police officer required stitches and will need dental work after being punched during routine traffic stop, police said.

Officer Phil Hird stopped a vehicle with two occupants — brothers Anthony and Michael Guzman Jr. — about 8 p.m. Thursday on the 800 block of Ash Street for an expired registration sticker and loud muffler, police said.

The driver, Anthony, tried to leave the scene, police said. While Hird attempted to arrest him, the Guzmans’ father, Miguel Guzman Sr., came from a nearby residence and struck Hird in the face, police said.

Hird was treated at Vista Medical Center East for multiple cuts that required stitches, and he will need dental work, police said.

Miguel Guzman Sr., of the 800 block of Ash Street, was charged with aggravated battery to a police officer. Anthony Guzman, formerly of Waukegan, was charged with felony obstruction of justice along with traffic charges. Miguel Guzman Jr., of the 800 block of Ash Street, was charged with obstruction of justice.

All three were taken to Lake County jail. Miguel Guzman Jr. was released on $150 cash bond. His father and brother will appear in court Sept. 18.