CPD officer may be unable to eat solid food for months after McKinley Park attack

Convicted Sex Offender and Sister Arrested for Assaulting Chicago Police Officer

A convicted child sex offender and his sister have been apprehended for allegedly attacking a Chicago police officer who was issuing them a ticket for obstructing an ambulance at an emergency scene in McKinley Park. The injured officer suffered severe injuries and will require months to recover.

Officer Kevin Mangan was one of the CPD officers responding to an incident on South Marshfield Avenue when Monica Mejia, 30, arrived and parked behind a squad car, obstructing it and preventing the ambulance from leaving.

Mejia, her brother Michael Sopher, 33, and two others exited the vehicle, prompting Mangan to approach and issue a ticket for blocking the ambulance. Mejia then returned, obstructing her vehicle ID number to prevent the ticket from being issued.

Following a heated argument, Mejia assaulted Mangan by striking his hand and body. When another officer intervened, Mejia attempted to strike them as well. Sopher then joined the altercation, punching Mangan multiple times in the face, causing the officer to fall to the ground. Sopher continued to assault Mangan, resulting in the officer losing several teeth.

Sopher, a convicted sex offender who is non-compliant with registration requirements, was found in possession of brass knuckles. Mejia, who has prior convictions for battery and resisting arrest, was also involved in the assault.

Sopher faces charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer, possession of a weapon, and repeated violation of sex offender registration. Mejia is charged with aggravated battery and criminal damage to property.

Both suspects have been detained pending further legal proceedings.

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