Suburban Cop Suspended For Peoria Strip Club Fight
CHANNAHON, Ill. (WBBM/CBS) -- A southwest suburban police officer is in trouble with his own department, and two other officers might be in trouble too, following a trip to a law enforcement conference downstate.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Bernie Tafoya reports, Channahon police Officer Mark Soustek, 26, has been suspended without pay for three days for getting into a fight at a strip club in Peoria.
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Channahon Police Chief Joe Pena said Soustek is guilty of "conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
Two Bolingbrook police officers may also face disciplinary action after the investigation by their department into the matter.
On April 5, local officers assigned to the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad went to Big Al's strip club while in Peoria for a law enforcement conference.
Peoria police said the group was unhappy when one member was told he wouldn't be allowed inside without identification.
A 34-year-old Bolingbrook officer allegedly began arguing with a bouncer when he was told he would be kicked out.
"(The Bolingbrook officer) was squaring off with the bouncer when (Soustek) pushed the bouncer over a chair," Peoria Officer Doug Burgess said.
A 40-year-old Bolingbrook officer became involved in the struggle, which spilled into the parking lot and was recorded on surveillance video in and outside the club.
Soustek was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor battery. The 40-year-old Bolingbrook officer was charged with one count of battery and the 34-year-old Bolingbrook officer was charged with one count of battery and one count of criminal trespassing.
"As there are two sides to every story, it should also be noted that upon review of the case by the Peoria County state's attorney's office, no criminal charges will be filed in the matter, and we are considering this matter closed," Pena said.
"The state's attorney's office has correctly dismissed all charges," Bolingbrook Lt. Mike Rompa said. "Our internal investigation is still open in regards to this matter, due in part to awaiting the outcome of the alleged criminal case. The department can now move forward in making a decision in regards to the internal aspect of this incident."
The Joliet Herald News contributed to this report, via the Sun-Times Media Wire
