Oak Lawn Man Grabs Wife By The Throat, Kicks Cop: Prosecutor

OAK LAWN, IL -- An Oak Lawn man is being held on $500,000 bail after he allegedly kicked a police officer as he was being arrested for choking his wife. Phillip Ferguson, 55, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of aggravated battery to a peace officer. Ferguson is also charged with misdemeanor domestic battery and interference with reporting domestic violence.

The prosecutor said that Ferguson and wife are in the process of getting a divorce and are finalizing the sale of their home. Around 8:39 p.m. Sept. 11, Oak Lawn police responded to a disturbance at the couple’s home in the 9600 block of South Tulley. According to court records, Ferguson choked his wife while she was calling 911 to summon help.

Ferguson was arrested and taken to the Oak Lawn police station. When officers took off the handcuffs, Ferguson allegedly kicked a police officer in the leg. Ferguson was flagged for violence on a pre-trial safety assessment.

The assistant public defender told the judge that Ferguson is on disability. His aunt passed away this week.

“Is that an excuse to choke his wife? Kick a police officer,” Felice asked. “He’s a danger.”

Bail was set at $500,000. Ferguson was ordered not to contact his wife while the case is pending. Ferguson’s next court date is Oct. 9 in Bridgeview.