Blotter: Dispute Regarding Game of Pool Turns Violent

Game of pool turns violent

Three men were arrested on Sept. 18 following a fight regarding a game of pool in a downtown bar, according to reports. Richard James Bridgewater, 50, of 836 Fifth Ave., Geneva; Gregory M. Lofton, 29, 406 S. Prospect, Wheaton; and Johnny Valentino Perez, 40, 324 Church St., Batavia, were charged with misdemeanor battery. The victim reportedly was “belly-bumped” and hit in the head after he told Bridgewater that grabbing the cue ball was against the rules. The victim told police he was then surrounded by the three men and, feeling threatened, pulled out a folding pocket knife. A video recording of the incident allegedly shows the three men punching, kicking and throwing a chair at the victim. He was taken to Delnor Hospital for treatment. The three men were cited after the incident.

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Police stop swerving car

Joaquin Flores-Martias, 31, 700 Elizabeth St., West Chicago, was arrested on Sept. 18 for drunken driving, according to a police report. Police had responded to a report of a drunken driver trying to drive a car in a grocery store parking lot. A officer caught up car on South Second Street after reportedly seeing the car swerve across the traffic lines. After a traffic stop was performed, the officer reportedly could smell alcohol coming from the driver, Flores-Martias. Tests for intoxication were performed, after which Flores-Martias was arrested, booked and cited for driving under the influence and for several other traffic violations.

Speeding and a DUI arrest

Kurtis G. Ksiazek, 38, 3802 15th Ave., Rockford, was arrested on Sept. 16 for drunken driving, according to a police report. An officer was following a black Land Rover when it was seen crossing the yellow double traffic line, traveling 38 mph in a 30 mph zone and nearly hit the curb while making a wide turn. The officer performed a traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Ksiazek. During the stop, the officer allegedly could smell a strong odor of alcohol. Tests for intoxication were performed, after which Ksiazek was arrested and booked. He was cited for two traffic violations and for driving under the influence of alcohol. Ksiazek reportedly refused to take a test for his blood-alcohol level.

Patch reports on law enforcement activity in our town, using information provided by official agencies. Persons charged with a crime, or issued a citation for violation of a local ordinance, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you or a family member is charged with a crime or cited for a violation, and the charge or citation are subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to notify Nick Swedberg at St. Charles Patch and we will do follow-up reporting on the case. For questions, email nicks@patch.com.