Prosecutors: Rockford man tried to grab Hoffman Estates officer's weapon

A Rockford man who prosecutors say attempted to take away a Hoffman Estates police officer's firearm was ordered held on $30,000 bail Wednesday.

Louis H. Keegan, 23, is charged with disarming a peace officer, aggravated resisting a peace officer, possession of a defaced firearm and aggravated assault. If convicted of the most serious charge, he faces up to seven years in prison. Probation is also an option.

At 7:01 p.m. Tuesday, Hoffman Estates police were called to the 700 block of Bode Circle for an altercation between the defendant and a tow-truck driver who was attempting to tow Keegan's vehicle, prosecutors said.

Keegan lifted his shirt and "brandished a firearm," said Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Nicole Murphy.

Police later tracked Keegan down but he refused to identify himself to officers and attempted to flee, Murphy said.

Using his size to take two officers to the ground, Keegan then grabbed the handle of one officer's firearm, which was secured in its holster, Murphy said.

Several officers suffered scratches during the arrest, Murphy said.

After receiving permission from Keegan's "significant other," police recovered a semi-automatic pistol from a clothes basket in a nearby apartment, Murphy said.

Keegan, who has misdemeanor convictions for battery, aggravated assault and violating an order of protection, next appears in court on July 2.