Suspect IDs sought from brawl at bar
From our weekly issue dated July 9, 2008
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Video still from security camera (Photo provided)
Josephine County Sheriff Gil Gilbertson said that he is “aggressively pursuing” charges in the case of a brawl outside Art’s Red Garter Saloon early May 26.
Surveillance video that captured the incident has been forwarded to the Oregon Dept. of Justice, Gilbertson said. It’s hoped that DOJ’s technicians can resolve some images to help positively identify suspects in the altercation. It is not known when the results could be available.
“I expect it will be a lengthy process,” Gilbertson said. While sheriff’s office investigators have been “deeply engaged” in the investigation, Gilbertson said, “this is probably not a high priority for (DOJ).”
Gilbertson stated that, for the most part, those suspected of involvement in the fight have been “lying low,” and that one young man had left town.
“We noticed the number of thefts and vandalism decrease in town in the past month,” Gilbertson said. “We suspect that these kids may have been involved with that activity as well.”
However, some instances of witness intimidation have occurred, Gilbertson said.
Although no suspects have been officially identified from a Downtown Cave Junction fracas, charges referred to the county district attorney have been returned to the sheriff’s office for more investigation.
Some of the assailants were identified by Illinois Valley High School administrators as students. But whether they are current or former students was not made clear. Some appear to have been former members of the school wrestling team.
Three Red Garter employees were reported injured in the incident. Reports vary on the extent of their injuries.
(Related letter to the editor)
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