Charges Dropped For Man Who Hit Cop Trying To Save Cat In Fire

PALOS HILLS, IL — Charges were dismissed against a man who belted a cop because the officer wouldn’t let him rescue his cat during a house fire. John Christakis, 56, appeared before Cook County Judge John Mahoney on a felony charge of aggravated battery. Christakis was also charged with two misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and criminal damage to property.

Around 11:30 p.m. April 7, Palos Hills police responded to a small fire in a home in the 10100 block of South 90th Avenue. After the fire was extinguished, officers began clearing the house for occupants. Christakis and his wife showed up around the time the fire was put out.

Seeing the smoke coming out of his house, the prosecutor said Christakis tried to run inside to rescue his cat, Toby. Christakis allegedly shoved police, injuring their hands and wrists, and grabbed one officer around his throat for a few seconds.

“I don’t blame you for trying to save a poor animal,” Mahoney said. “This is a case of defense by necessity. He just wanted to save his cat. I like cats. I’d do the same thing.”

The judge dismissed the charges.

“I don’t think he meant to harm the officer,” Mahoney said.

The fate of Toby is unknown.