Drunk Man At Panel For DUI Faces New Charge For Pushing Sergeant: Cops

LAKE COUNTY, IL — An intoxicated man is accused of pushing and injuring a Lake County Sheriff's Office sergeant while he was attending a victim impact panel, which was a requirement for a previous driving while under the influence arrest.

Nicholas R. Goheen, 41, of the 3400 block of Mary Avenue in Park City, has been charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, aggravated battery in a public place, resisting arrest and obstructing identification in connection with the Wednesday attack, authorities said.

Goheen was attending the victim impact panel at about 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday at a location in the 19300 block of West Washington Street in unincorporated Grayslake, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

While he was there, a sheriff's office sergeant approached him after noticing him sleeping during the panel. He woke the man up and let him know that one of the requirements to receive credit for attending the panel was to stay awake, according to the news release.

While talking to him, the sergeant noticed the smell of alcohol on his breath and asked him to leave the room. Goheen became increasingly aggressive toward the sergeant and pushed him. As the sergeant tried to take him into custody, Goheen grabbed and pushed him again.

The sergeant was able to arrest Goheen, but sustained minor injuries, kindling bruises and cuts. He was treated at a nearby hospital and released.

Goheen was taken to the Lake County Jail and appeared for an initial court appearance Thursday morning.