Woodridge man gets jail, probation for biting Woodrige cop in face

A Woodridge man already jailed since March 2018 for biting an officer in the face has been sentenced to 180 days in jail with time served and two years probation.

Antonio Rome, 51, of the 2300 block of Vista Drive, entered a blind plea to aggravated battery to a police officer. Charges of resisting or obstructing a police officer, attempting to disarm a police officer and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed.

Rome also was ordered to pay $10,000 restitution to the village of Woodridge and submit to a mental health evaluation.

Prosecutors said the attack occurred about 11 a.m. on March 6, 2018, when Rome punched Woodridge Sgt. Mark Walters, bit him in the face and smashed his head on the ground.

Rome also was accused of trying to take Walters' service weapon from its holster, at which time the holster became twisted and Walters' gun was pointed at his own torso.

At the time of his arrest, Rome was wanted on a Feb. 23, 2018, warrant with a charge of unlawful possession of a glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamines.

Woodridge police declined to comment on the charges or Walters' condition, saying only that "a violent altercation occurred" and the case is still under investigation.

Rome's arraignment is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 2 in courtroom 4014. Should he post bail, he will be fitted with a GPS monitor and be restricted to his home and his attorney's office.