Police ID Man Accused Of Attacking Multiple Deputies At DuPage Courthouse

WHEATON, IL — A Lombard man will remain in jail after authorities said he attacked multiple sheriff's deputies on Friday as he tried to leave the DuPage County Courthouse.

Avinash Panjwani, 27, appeared before a judge Saturday and was denied pre-trial release, the DuPage County State's Attorney's Office said in a statement. Panjwani faces multiple charges, including five counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and two counts of resisting arrest.

According to prosecutors, Panjwani was at the DuPage County Courthouse attending a previously scheduled court date when the assaults occurred. Prosecutors said the court ordered him to report to probation to complete drug testing and then return.

Prosecutors said Panjwani looked at the courtroom deputy and made shadow-boxing movements at her. As he left the courtroom, prosecutors said Panjwani shoulder-checked another courtroom deputy on his way out.

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Approximately 20 minutes later, authorities said Panjwani returned to the courtroom after leaving without permission.

On the second floor at the top of the escalator, a DuPage County deputy approached Panjwani and informed him he was not free to leave.

According to prosecutors, as the deputy reached out to Panjwani, Panjwani punched the deputy twice in the face, knocking him backward onto the escalator. Authorities said Panjwani then got on top of the deputy, placed his hands on the deputy’s head and forcefully pushed his thumbs into his eyes.

Additional deputies arrived on the escalator and removed Panjwani from the deputy and attempted to cuff him. According to prosecutors, as the deputies tried to take Panjwani into custody, he attempted to bite one of the deputies and pushed him back, injuring him on the escalator.

Prosecutors said that while resisting officers, Panjwani kneed another deputy in the face and spat twice on another officer.

Panjwani was eventually taken into custody and taken to DuPage County Jail. Three officers were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Panjwani’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 6.