Former Arlington Heights Officer Accused Of Fracturing Relative's Arm

ALGONQUIN, IL — A former Arlington Heights police officer entered not guilty pleas last week to domestic battery charges for accusations he grabbed and held down a female relative in August. Michael B. Cowsert, 50, of the 1300 block of Stonegate Road in Algonquin, also fractured the relative's hand during the Aug. 14 incident, according to an indictment filed in McHenry County Circuit Court.

According to the indictment, Cowsert pushed and threw the relative to the ground, causing bruises to form on her forearm and knee. He also held her down against her will. During the struggle, she injured a finger, causing redness and swelling, according to a complaint filed in McHenry County Circuit Court.

While trying to get her phone away from her, authorities say Cowsert's chin hit his relative's chin, according to court records.

An aggravated domestic battery charge filed in the case relates to a fracture Cowsert is accused of causing when he grabbed the relative's hand. He also faces four counts of domestic battery and one count unlawful restraint.

Cowsert was a police officer with the Arlington Heights Police Department at the time the incident was reported, and he resigned on Sept. 27. He first started as a police officer in Arlington Heights in 1996, Arlington Heights Deputy Police Chief Greg Czernecki told Shaw Media.

He is next expected in court on Oct. 20 for a motion hearing.

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