Illinois man charged after alleged struggle with Lake County Jail officers
According to court documents, Munster police arrested James Chatuan Chester, 50, of Chicago Heights, Illinois, during the early morning hours of September 1, 2025, following a traffic stop and transported him to the Lake County Jail.
While corrections officers conducted a required search, Chester allegedly became verbally combative and refused to comply with orders. Officers reported that he removed his hands from the wall, turned toward them aggressively, and began resisting efforts to restrain him. During the struggle, Chester allegedly attempted to scratch a corrections officer with his fingernails, causing pain and leaving visible marks. He then struck his head on the floor, resulting in bleeding from his mouth, and spit blood on one officer’s forearm.
Another officer reported that Chester grabbed his wrists during the incident and scratched his arm, leaving skin damage. Images of the officers’ injuries were uploaded to evidence. Due to Chester’s combative state, officers documented the incident as a refusal of the chemical breath test.
All events occurred in Lake County, Indiana.
Charges filed 09/03/2025:
• Battery Against a Public Safety Official (Level 6 Felony)
• Battery Against a Public Safety Official (Level 6 Felony)
Chester was lodged in the Lake County Jail.
