Officer Kevin Mangan suffered severe mouth and jaw injuries during a confrontation near 37th Street and Marshfield Avenue.
CHICAGO, Ill. — Two siblings were detained after prosecutors said they attacked Chicago police Officer Kevin Mangan during a confrontation Tuesday night in McKinley Park, leaving him with serious facial injuries and months of recovery ahead.
Michael Sopher, 33, and Monica Mejia, 30, face felony charges tied to the attack. Authorities said the encounter began after officers responded to an emergency scene near 37th Street and Marshfield Avenue, where an ambulance and police vehicles were blocked.
Prosecutors said Mejia drove behind a squad car while paramedics were helping a patient. Officers tried to issue a ticket, but the situation turned physical. Mejia allegedly struck Mangan and another officer before Sopher joined in and punched Mangan repeatedly. Police said brass knuckles were found in Sopher’s pocket after officers pulled him away.
Mangan was taken to Stroger Hospital with severe injuries to his mouth and jaw. Court details said he may be unable to chew solid food for several months. Ald. Raymond Lopez said Mangan was “lucky to be alive” after blows to his head and face.
Sopher was charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a peace officer, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and violating sex offender registration rules. Mejia was charged with two counts of aggravated battery of a peace officer and one misdemeanor count of attempted criminal damage to property.
A judge ordered both defendants held in custody. Prosecutors said Sopher has prior felony convictions and Mejia has a past conviction involving battery against a police officer. A defense attorney said the siblings had gone to the area because of an emergency at their father’s home.
Carol Mangan, the officer’s mother, said the case has brought “pure agony” to the family. Denise McBroom, Mangan’s aunt, said the family is grateful he survived but believes officers should not have to fear deadly harm during routine enforcement.
The case is due back in court May 26. Mangan remained focused on recovery as prosecutors prepared to move the case forward.
Author note: Last updated May 22, 2026.