Security officer pepper sprays man who threatened him with knife
OAK LAWN, IL April 11 2019 — A security guard at Portillo’s sprayed a customer in the face with mace after he threatened the guard with a knife, police reports said. Hector Gonzanga, 32, was charged with battery, aggravated assault and criminal trespassing.
Oak Lawn police responded to a disturbance around 11:30 p.m. March 22 at Portillo’s Restaurant, 4020 W 95th St. The manager told officers that a man, later identified as Gonzanga, was asking to use the phone, explaining he was there to pick up a non-existent order. Gonzanga allegedly berated staff because he didn’t think he was being served fast enough.
While being escorted out of the restaurant by security, police said Gonzanga started flailing his arms and hit the manager’s shoulder. No sooner was Gonzanga escorted outside than he came back into the restaurant, reports said. When he was escorted outside a second time, officers said Gonzanga pulled out a pocket knife, opened the blade and pointed it at the guard, who backed away.
Gonzanga then fled on foot westbound on 95th Street, police said. The security guard chased and grabbed Gonzanga by the shoulder. Police said Gonzanga turned around toward the security guard with knife in hand and the guard aimed a mace-pistol and sprayed Gonzanga in the face, according to reports.
Police said Gonzanga fled, leaving behind a shoe, backpack and jacket. Gonzanga was later picked up in Evergreen Park, where he was taken into custody. The security guard and manager at Portillo’s positively identified Gonzanga, reports said. Officers later discovered that Gonzanga had two active arrest warrants for driving without a license and failure to appear in court.
