Knife-Wielding Man Lunges At Citizen, Kicks Cop's Face: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — An Elgin man wielding a knife was charged with two felonies following confrontations with a citizen and police Sunday afternoon in Des Plaines. Kendrick Munoz, 27, of the 1100 block of S. Lee Street, is accused of two felony counts of aggravated battery to a peace officer, and misdemeanor counts of resisting a peace officer, unlawful use of a weapon, and aggravated assault.

The Cook County State's Attorney's Office approved the felony charges.

According to police, a 29-year-old Lincolnshire resident was at the BP gas station, 1200 block of S. Lee Street, when Munoz walked up behind him wielding a knife that he had removed from the groin area of his pants. Munoz reportedly lunged towards the victim aggressively, causing the victim to believe Munoz was trying to cut him.

At around 4:49 p.m., police responded to the area as dispatch said Munoz was walking northbound on Lee Street toward the businesses in the area. As officers arrived, they located a male matching Munoz’s description and stopped him.

The officers informed Munoz of why he had been stopped when he reportedly admitted to carrying a knife for protection. Police requested that Munoz turn the knife over to them when Munoz got upset and began throwing things. During this time, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from Munoz and his eyes were watery/bloodshot.

When the officers attempted to approach Munoz, he placed his hands toward his waistband. The officers grabbed Munoz’s arms and told him he was being detained. In response, Munoz allegedly tensed his arms and began to pull away from the officers.

Eventually, Munoz was escorted to the ground where he then started to grab the officer's ballistic vest, the officer to the ground with him. Munoz began grabbing at the officer's equipment, but the officers were able to gain compliance and place him in handcuffs. When more officers arrived to assist, one of the officers near Munoz's legs and was kicked in the face by Munoz. Once secure, a search of Munoz was conducted, and a small folding knife was located near the groin area of his pants.