Police: Man Jumps Beer Line, Gashes Cop at Proud American Days

A thirsty Channahon man who cut the beer line at Proud American Days to help himself to a cold one ended up gashing a police officer while resisting arrest, New Lenox police said.

Benjamin Stech, 32, of Channahon, was charged with battery, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after a scuffle late Friday night at the Proud American Days festival. 

According to New Lenox police, Stech became annoyed at having to wait in a line at the beer booth next to the entertainmen tent, so he jumped over the counter to help himself with a beer. He was asked to leave the tent.

Police were nearby and responded immediately, at about 11:30 p.m., to the commotion. Deputy Chief Bob Pawlisz said Stech resisted the team of officers attempting to arrest him. 

One of the officers got a gash in the head.

Each of the three charges is a misdemeanor, Pawlisz said. Stech posted 10 percent of a $1,000 bond and was released.

Want more crime news? You might also like to read:

Like what you see? Like New Lenox Patch on Facebook, please. 

Police blotter information is provided by the . Charges are not evidence of guilt. They are a record of police actions taken on a given day, and persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. If you or a family member are charged or cited and the case is subsequently adjudicated, we encourage you to . We will verify and report the outcome. If you have information about an unsolved crime, call the Investigations Unit at 815-462-6100.