MorningStar Mission Resident Attacked Joliet Police: Complaint

JOLIET, IL — A 35-year-old homeless man from Joliet remains in the Will County Jail after prosecutors say he attacked several Joliet Police officers who suspected him of trespassing at a woman's apartment in the 200 block of North Hickory Street.

Michael Richter, who stays at the MorningStar Mission on East Washington Street, has been in police custody since 5:30 a.m. Feb. 14. Richter is charged with three counts of aggravated battery, as well as criminal trespass to a residence and resisting a peace officer.

According to the Joliet Police Department's criminal complaint, Richter knowingly remained inside the apartment unit of a woman on Hickory Street when he did not have the authority to be there on Feb. 13.

During the handcuffing process, Richter struggled with an officer, and he spit on the officer, the complaint states. Richter was charged with another count of aggravated battery against the same officer because Richter "kicked (the officer) about the body," the complaint states.

As for the other aggravated battery charge, the MorningStar Mission resident "struck (another officer) about the body ... knowing (him) to be a peace officer engaged in the performance of his official duties," the complaint reads.

A Will County judge set bail at $25,000 for Richter, and he remains in custody more than a week later, unable to post the necessary 10 percent to regain his freedom.