Questions Surround Charges Against Three Family Members Involved in Spring Inn Altercation
Attorney says witnesses offer different versions of events.
The attorney for three members of an Elmhurst family charged in a March altercation at the Spring Inn said the cases remain clouded by questions about how police handled things.
The March 12 incident started when Elmhurst officers were called to respond to a fight, and it resulted in the arrests of Brian R. Connell, 53; Bryan B. Connell, 25; and Steven R. Connell, 24, on charges they fought with police.
Their attorney, Vince Solano, said Monday he's been contacted by witnesses who offer a different version of events than what police have. The incident also prompted nearly 200 comments on Elmhurst Patch, including some from readers who claim to have witnessed the altercation and disagree with how police responded.
For its part, Elmhurst police have said their officers acted properly and that it would let the cases play out in court rather than the media.
According to police, officers went to the Spring Inn just before 10 p.m. on a report of a fight in progress. While there, someone told the officers that Bryan B. Connell had a knife.
Police, in a one-page report made available to Patch, stated that while attempting to "restrain" Bryan B. Connell for "possession of knives," Brian R. Connell and Steven R. Connell jumped in and struck officers. The report does not state whether the incident with the Connells occurred inside or outside Spring Inn.
Court records show Brian R. Connell was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery that accuse him of using his foot to kick Elmhurst officer Jason Krueger and pushing officer Alex Kefaloukos in the chest.
On April 27, more than a month after the incident, prosecutors added a misdemeanor charge of resisting a peace officer against the eldest Connell, accusing him of pulling away from Kefaloukos while being handcuffed.
Bryan B. Connell faces one misdemeanor battery count, in which prosecutors allege he kicked Krueger in the midsection. He has not been charged with anything related to a knife, records show.
Steven R. Connell was indicted last month on two counts of aggravated battery. Those charges allege he punched Krueger in the head. Steven is also charged with obstructing a peace officer for reportedly pushing and jumping on Krueger as he arrested Bryan B. Connell, according to court records.
The three men each made brief court appearances on Monday. Solano told their respective judges that he has received evidence from prosecutors. Each man is scheduled for hearings later this month, at which trial dates could be set.
Stewart Levine
3:28 pm on Monday, May 9, 2011
Times have changed quite a bit. Couple hundred years ago, two men would take it outside and have a duel. 100 years ago, there might be a fist fight. 50 years ago some one might have a few friends or family members get involved in a brawl, and now, well the answer to all the problems people have is that the State of Illinois, and the Elmhurst Police Dept. get involved, and taser people with electricity, then charge them with some sort of made up make believe crime. If i were the police officer on beat, i'd put my hand on my billy club, tell them to take it into the alley and enjoy the UFC show, then let the hospital make the money. The court system doesnt need it they already make enough money.
cassandra
3:21 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
support the pd. they lay their lives out on the line day in and out for our safety. why were they at the hotel in the first place? public disturbance...societal misconduct...public safety. furthermore, was this the case of three related individuals?? even better...next time how about you call MAURY instead of the pd or stay at home and fight each other. perhaps you would feel differently if you were notified that your loved one had been an innocent bystander near the fight and was severely hurt? i suppose then your story would be that the police did not intervene enough? the police are first line responders. we should thank them. they could be home with their own families protecting them instead of protecting the community. thank you to the officers.