Defendant was convicted, after bench trial, of obstructing a peace officer. Officer, after receiving dispatch as to domestic disturbance and possible kidnapping, followed Defendant’s vehicle, then activated his lights. Defendant then pulled into a gas station, exited the vehicle, and headed into the station. Officer, in full uniform, yelled to Defendant to stop and told him he needed to talk to him, and asked him for identification. Defendant refused to do so, and swore and yelled at officer to get away from his vehicle. When officer questioned female passenger in the vehicle, she had no injuries and said that she was fine. Defendant was arrested a month later. Defendant’s refusal to provide identification to officer did not hinder his investigation. Although Defendant was argumentative and uncooperative, his conduct was not obstructive, and evidence was insufficient to convict Defendant as charged. (FITZGERALD SMITH and LAVIN, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Criminal Court
Obstruction of a Peace Officer