Woman Throws Water Bottle At Cop During Casino Arrest: Des Plaines PD

DES PLAINES, IL — A Chicago woman is facing a felony charge after throwing a water bottle at police during an incident earlier this week at Rivers Casino. Monique Binion was charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer.

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

According to police, Binion was part of a group of four people asked by the casino to vacate the property at around 7 a.m. Tuesday. Casino security told police the two men and two women were being physically confrontational and argumentative with casino staff.

Upon arrival, police were taken to the area inside the casino where two females, later identified as Cheetara Banks, 38, also of Chicago, and Binion, were walking with an unknown man toward the cashier's cage. The officer stopped them and advised them they needed to leave the property. Pooice said Binoin agreed and started to walk away yelling at officers, but Banks refused to leave.

Banks was told several times by security as well as officers that she was no longer allowed on the property and needed to leave. Police said that in response, Banks became verbally aggressive and began getting closer to the officer. After repeated attempts to get Banks to leave and even allowing her to cash in her gaming chips, she still refused to comply with the officers' directions and was warned that further refusal to leave will result in her being arrested for trespassing.

According to police, Banks continued to refuse and was ultimately escorted by the officers outside the casino and placed in handcuffs.

While this was occurring, Binion reportedly began approaching the area where officers were making the arrest. An officer assisted by making sure Binion did not interfere with the arrest. Binion repeatedly made multiple advances toward the officers dealing with Banks and was instructed to stay back when she threw a water bottle at an officer, striking him in the arm. Soon thereafter, police approached Binoin, took her into custody, and placed her in a patrol squad.

Both Binion and Banks were taken to the Des Plaines Police station, where Banks was subsequently arrested for one misdemeanor count each of criminal trespass to real property and disorderly conduct. She was cited and released with her court information.

Binion was brought to a Cook Count courthouse for a detention hearing.