Police: Round Lake Beach inmate punched correctional officer

A Round Lake Beach man already behind bars at Lake County jail now faces charges of aggravated assault of a peace officer after punching a correctional officer in the head, authorities said.

Michael R. Barkus, 33, of the 900 block of North Cedar Lake Road, has been an inmate at Lake County jail since February, when he was charged with domestic battery, criminal damage to property, two counts of disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing.

Sheriff's Lt. Christopher Covelli said that at 6:45 p.m. June 24 correctional officers went to Barkus' cell to reprimand him for his behavior earlier in the day.

Covelli said Barkus had been swearing and being disruptive while other inmates were receiving medication.

Barkus swore at the officers who came to his cell, threw a cup of water on the ground and threw his mattress on the floor, Covelli said. The officers instructed Barkus to sit down and stop being aggressive. Barkus responded by saying, "Make me take a seat," and continued pacing around his cell, Covelli said.

Covelli said Barkus charged one of the officers and punched the guard in the head. One of the officers used pepper spray on Barkus to make him stop, Covelli said.

More officers arrived and subdued Barkus, Covelli said.

Barkus was charged with three counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer and one count of resisting arrest.

He remains behind bars and will not be allowed to leave jail unless he pays $15,000 in cash.