A protester charged with hitting a Chicago police officer over the head with a frying pan on North Michigan Avenue was ordered held Thursday on $50,000 bond.

Gary Wagaman, 30, of Chicago, appeared in Cook County Bond Court wearing a dark blue T-shirt that was ripped open behind his left shoulder. He shook his head after Judge James R. Brown announced the bond amount.

Wagaman is one of 12 protesters arrested after a scuffle with police Wednesday night on Michigan near Ohio Street that left five officers with minor injuries, authorities said.

Wagaman is charged with aggravated battery to a peace officer, a felony. The other 11 protesters face a variety of misdemeanor charges, police said.

Wagaman allegedly struck the officer over the head with an 8-inch pan, causing its handle to break off, as the officer tried to help make arrests, Assistant State's Attorney Erin Antonietti said in court.

Wagaman was among a group of protesters — some affiliated with the Occupy Chicago movement — marching in support of students in Canada who have been demonstrating against issues including higher tuition fees, other protesters said.

Wagaman moved to the city from Michigan after struggling to find a job after college and now works at a downtown pizzeria, said his attorney, Stuart Smith.

Tribune reporters Naomi Nix and Peter Nickeas contributed.

rhaggerty@tribune.com