Village trustee charged with assaulting police chief

(DIXMOOR) A south suburban village trustee was arrested Thursday for allegedly assaulting the police chief at the village hall following a board meeting.

Michael Smith

Michael Smith, 23, was charged with misdemeanor aggravated assault following the 11 p.m. incident outside the Dixmoor Village Hall, Cook County Sheriff’s office spokeswoman Cara Smith said.“There was a heated exchange that resulted in some physical contact, and that led to the call to our sheriff’s police who responded,” Smith said.

Authorities could not immediately say what the argument started over. The board had just met in an executive session that was closed to the public.

Sheriff’s police were called because the person assaulted was Dixmoor police Chief Ronald Burge, which would have posed a conflict had local police handled the incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

The meeting had been scheduled for 7 p.m. at the village hall at 170 W. 145th St., according to Dixmoor’s website.

Neither the police department, nor the village could be reached for comment Friday evening.

Smith, of Dixmoor, posted bond and will next appear in court at the Markham courthouse April 16, sheriff’s office spokesman Benjamin Breit said.