Police said two people were in custody after Officer Kevin Mangan was beaten while responding to a call.
CHICAGO, IL — A Chicago police officer was badly injured Tuesday night in McKinley Park after police said two people attacked him while he was writing a ticket near 37th Street and Marshfield Avenue.
Officer Kevin Mangan suffered serious mouth injuries, including knocked-out teeth, and is expected to be away from work for an extended period, his family said. Police said a man and a woman were in custody Wednesday night, with charges pending. The attack drew new attention to risks officers face during routine calls and to the legal steps that could follow when an officer is hurt in the line of duty.
The call began Tuesday night after police said three people pulled up and blocked an ambulance from leaving a separate scene in McKinley Park. Mangan responded to the area and began writing a ticket, according to police. Officers then issued a “10-1” call, a radio alert used when an officer needs urgent help. Mangan’s mother, Carol Mangan, said the family first learned he had been assaulted and was in a fight. “It was really bad,” she said, describing the call the family received after the attack.
Police said the dispute escalated while Mangan was dealing with the vehicle that had blocked the ambulance. A 30-year-old woman began banging on a squad car, police said. Investigators said she and a 33-year-old man then attacked Mangan. Family members said the man had brass knuckles and struck Mangan hard enough to badly damage his mouth. Denise McBroom, Mangan’s aunt, said some of his teeth were missing and others were forced into the roof of his mouth. Police had not released the names of the two people in custody as of Wednesday night.
The attack happened in McKinley Park, a Southwest Side neighborhood where police and residents have recently discussed public safety concerns at community meetings. The intersection near 37th and Marshfield is close to homes, small businesses and industrial streets that run through the area. Police said the people accused of attacking Mangan were not part of the original emergency call involving the ambulance. Mangan’s family said that detail led them to believe he was targeted because he was wearing a police uniform, though investigators had not announced a motive.
McBroom said the man accused in the attack shouted profanity and spoke about beating police officers. “All it takes is one punch,” she said. “You could kill somebody. He’s lucky that he’s alive.” Carol Mangan said she believed the case should be treated as attempted murder because of the force used and the injuries her son suffered. Police said the investigation remained active Wednesday night. Prosecutors were expected to review the case before final charges were announced.
Mangan’s family said he faces a long recovery and will be unable to chew solid food for months. They said his injuries will keep him off the street even longer. The attack came during what began as a response to an ambulance being blocked, showing how quickly a routine enforcement action can change. Police did not say whether body camera video, squad car video or other recordings had been reviewed. They also had not said whether any other officers or civilians were injured.
The case remained under investigation Thursday, with a man and a woman in custody and charges still pending. The next major step is a charging decision by authorities, followed by an initial court appearance if felony charges are approved.
Author note: Last updated May 21, 2026.