Springfield Police Officer Gets in Shouting Match, Fistfight with Teen

Springfield, Illinois, police officer Samuel Rosario was arrested on two counts of battery and one count of official misconduct after an incident on February 27 during which he repeatedly punched a 19-year-old man.While responding to a domestic disturbance call, Rosario exchanged obscenities with the male teen and shoved him. The situation escalated to the point where Rosario approached and punched the teen repeatedly. A second officer, Rosario’s partner, intervened in the fight and later reported the incident to his supervisor, according to the department. Springfield Police Department requested that the Illinois State Police conduct a criminal investigation. Rosario’s police powers have been revoked and he remains on unpaid administrative leave while the investigation proceeds.