Highland area police briefs for June 28-July 5

Editor’s note: The following incidents were listed among the official reports of local law enforcement agencies and court clerks. Readers are reminded that an arrest or charge does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.

Police 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.”

ISP alcohol enforcement in Clinton County has 100 percent compliance

Illinois State Police Zone 6 officers conducted Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) surveillance at various establishments during the evening hours of Tuesday, June 30 in Clinton County. The purpose of these ACE details is to determine which businesses may be selling alcoholic beverages to minors (persons under 21 years of age).

A total of 23 locations were surveyed in Trenton, New Baden, Albers, Germantown, Carlyle, Breese and Beckemeyer. Of those businesses, none of the establishments sold alcohol to a minor.

The Illinois State Police commends establishments which do not sell alcohol to minors. This project was funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Division of Traffic Safety.

Fund set up for family of Troy construction worker killed in accident

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a construction worker who was electrocuted June 18 at a worksite in Mascoutah and died the next day.

Joshua T. Morgan, 35, of Troy was working with two others at an apartment complex site near Nathan Avenue and Douglas Avenue when the other workers called 911 after hearing a loud popping sound shortly before 11 a.m. Morgan was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville and then transferred to St. Louis University Hospital, where he later died.

A memorial service for Morgan was held on Sunday at Premier Martial Arts in Collinsville.

Morgan leaves behind his wife and three daughters.

Man charged with felony retail theft

Highland police charged Michael T. Childerson, 31, of Vandalia with felony retail theft for allegedly taking items from Walmart on Jan. 5. The charge was enhanced to a felony because Childerson had a prior retail theft conviction in Fayette County in July 2013.

HPD misdemeanors, citations

June 28

▪ No tickets issued.

June 29

▪ Amy K. Stevens, 34, of Alhambra was charged with retail theft for taking sunscreen valued at $7.97 from Walmart.

▪ A juvenile, 17, of Trenton was charged with retail theft for allegedly taking Yu-Gi-Oh! trading cards from Walmart valued at $20.

June 30-July 3

▪ No tickets issued.

July 4

▪ Pamela S. Patrich, 46, of Pocahontas was charged with operation of an uninsured motor vehicle.

▪ Richard A. Taylor, 43, of Damiansville was charged with retail theft for allegedly taking a diaper bag and sleepwear set valued at $34 from Walmart.

▪ A juvenile, 16, of Highland was charged with curfew violation.

▪ Eric J. Hofmann, 26, of Davenport, Iowa, was charged with having an expired vehicle registration and a safety belt violation.

July 5

▪ Matthew M. Mannhard, 44, of Trenton was charged with having an expired vehicle registration.

▪ Paul D. Fletcher, 25, of Highland was charged with being a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol.

▪ Nicholas J. Kernan, 20, Highland was charged with unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor and obstructing a peace officer for allegedly running from police.

This story was originally published July 9, 2015 at 3:00 AM with the headline "Highland area police briefs for June 28-July 5."