Gang Member Hits Joliet Officer At Anthony's Pub: Cops

JOLIET, IL — A 24-year-old Bolingbrook man was arrested over the weekend and charged with numerous felonies after Joliet police say he got into a fight outside Anthony's Restaurant and Pub and then tried to harm the Joliet police officers breaking up the brawl.

Richard Rocha was hauled away in a Joliet squad car and booked into the Will County Jail on charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated assault to a peace officer, possession of a controlled substance and resisting a peace officer.

Around 2:35 a.m. on Saturday, a Joliet officer working a special assignment job at Anthony's Pub saw a large group of people fighting near the road. The officer broke up the fight and tried sending everyone away, and that's when Rocha announced he was a gang member and said he hates the police, according to police.

"Rocha was ordered to leave the area, at which time Rocha threatened to kill officers," Joliet police said. "Officers attempted to place Rocha into custody, and he entered a vehicle and attempted to place the gear into drive. Rocha struck an officer while being removed from the vehicle."

Next, Rocha tried running from the scene, but Joliet police captured him, putting him into handcuffs after a short struggle, police said.

During the inmate booking at the police station, officers searched Rocha and found white powder suspected to be cocaine inside a rolled-up dollar bill in his possession, police said.

Rocha's bail was set at $50,000 over the weekend. By Saturday night, Rocha had regained his freedom after posting the necessary 10 percent cash, jail logs show. The Bolingbrook man lives in the 200 block of Homewood Drive.

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