Prosecutors said the officer lost or loosened several teeth after being punched during a Southwest Side response.
CHICAGO, Ill. — A Chicago police officer was seriously injured Tuesday night after a parking-ticket dispute near an ambulance scene turned into an attack in McKinley Park, prosecutors said during a detention hearing.
Officer Kevin Mangan was working near 37th Street and Marshfield Avenue when authorities said a car blocked a squad vehicle and delayed an ambulance from leaving. The confrontation led to charges against Michael Sopher, 33, and Monica Mejia, 30.
According to prosecutors, Mejia argued with officers after they tried to issue a ticket. She allegedly hit a squad car window, struck Mangan and fought with another officer. Prosecutors said Sopher then grabbed Mangan, punched him in the face, knocked him down and continued striking him while he was on the ground.
Police said they recovered black brass knuckles from Sopher’s hoodie pocket. Mangan was treated at Stroger Hospital for injuries that included knocked-out or loosened teeth. Court records said he is expected to be unable to eat solid food for months.
Sopher faces charges of aggravated battery to a peace officer causing great bodily harm, unlawful weapon possession by a felon and repeated violation of sex offender registration rules. Mejia faces two felony aggravated battery counts and a misdemeanor criminal damage charge.
Prosecutors said Sopher had a criminal history that included sex offender registration violations and burglary convictions. They said Mejia had a prior aggravated battery conviction involving a police officer. Mejia’s attorney said the siblings were responding to a family emergency before the encounter escalated.
Ald. Raymond Lopez said the attack showed the risks officers face during ordinary calls. Mangan’s mother, Carol Mangan, said she was relieved the defendants were detained rather than released on electronic monitoring.
Both defendants were ordered held pending trial. Their next court date is May 26, while Mangan continues medical treatment for his injuries.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.