Kenosha woman accused of striking, injuring Lake County judge on Metra train

A Kenosha, Wisconsin, woman faces felony charges for striking and injuring a Lake County circuit court judge on a Metra train, authorities said.

Elizabeth Pope, 33, was a passenger on a Union Pacific North train waiting to depart the Ogilvie Transportation Center just before 12:35 p.m. Friday when she called a juvenile "an idiot," Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said.

In response, the victim - a 57-year-old Lake County circuit court judge - told the boy "he was not an idiot," Gillis said.

Metra would not release the victim's name. The Chicago Tribune reported that her name is Elizabeth Rochford.

Pope left her seat on the upper balcony of the train, walked down the stairs, and confronted the victim, Gillis said. The confrontation ended after the victim was stuck several times in the face with a closed fist and a cellphone, Gillis said.

The train was delayed while Pope was arrested and the victim was transported to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago with lacerations to her face. Those cuts later required stitches, Gillis said.

Pope was charged with aggravated battery in a public place and held on $70,000 bail.

Metra Police are investigating the case.