Bond County authorities investigating brawl at American Legion Post in Keyesport

The Bond County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a brawl that broke out after a fireworks show Saturday night in Keyesport.

The fireworks were finishing up when the fight began around 10 p.m. at the American Legion Post 1994. Post commander Neal Leidner said he heard four individuals were arrested as police and paramedics were dispatched to the scene. It was not immediately known how many people were involved in the fight.

“I don’t know what the argument was over, but there was just a fracas, and unfortunately, it looked bad upon the American Legion,” Leidner said. “We do not condone any of that. This is a very family friendly establishment.”

He said more than a thousand people were at the fireworks show when the fight happened. He also said there was no damage to the Legion building but doesn’t know whether anyone was injured.

The county sheriff’s department has yet to release details about the incident.

“I apologize to anyone who was offended by that,” Leidner said. “That is not a common thing here. We are a family establishment.”

Since the incident, Leidner said he has heard rumors about gangs patronizing the Legion hall, which he said are not true. “I would like to put rumors to rest,” he said.

“The American Legion is a family friendly establishment and will always be. I hope in the future we can have activities here without these type of incidents. Again, I apologize for any confusion and I truly hope that this organization or any veterans’ organization is not looked upon unfavorably.”

This story was originally published July 6, 2015 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Bond County authorities investigating brawl at American Legion Post in Keyesport."