Aug 24, 2008 8:53 am US/Central
Charges Filed In Beating Of Hammond Officer
HAMMOND, Ind. (Post-Tribune) ―
Attempted murder and aggravated battery charges were filed Saturday against a 31-year-old homeless man who allegedly beat a Hammond police officer unconscious.
Ira Washington, being held at the Lake County Jail, is charged with Friday's attack on police Cpl. Tom Sawyer, according to Hammond police Chief Brian Miller.
One day after the incident, Sawyer returned home from Saint Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center. The nine-year police veteran suffered injuries to his head after Washington flagged him down near Sibley Street and Hohman Avenue and then lunged at him when he stepped out of his squad car, investigators said.
"He's going to be off work for a while. But he's expected to make a full recovery," Miller said.
Washington is also charged with felony battery for allegedly injuring a second officer who subdued him as he stomped and kicked the unconscious Sawyer.
Officer Brian Campos suffered a minor shoulder injury during the struggle with Washington, Miller said.
Washington had only minor contact with police in the past, Miller said.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2008. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Video: CBS 2's Picks To Click
