Police: Local drug officers in fight at strip club

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

PEORIA — Three undercover narcotics officers were arrested last week after reportedly getting into a fight with bouncers at a gentlemen’s club.

Members of the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad went to Big Al’s, 519 Main St., on Tuesday while in town for a law enforcement conference.

“One of the guys had no identification whatsoever so he wasn’t allowed inside,” Peoria Officer Doug Burgess said.

Inside, other members of the group voiced their displeasure while the bouncer explained that was policy and they could leave if unhappy.

A 34-year-old Bolingbrook police officer told the bouncer, “I’m leaving anyway. Why don’t you try and make me?” The bouncer said he would be kicked out immediately.

“He was squaring off with the bouncer when another member of the group pushed the bouncer over a chair,” Burgess said.

That man was identified as a 26-year-old Channahon police officer, reports said.

A 40-year-old Bolingbrook officer became involved in the struggle, which spilled into the parking lot, Burgess said.

“Big Al’s called police immediately and we had officers in the area who responded quickly,” Burgess said. No injuries were reported.

The Channahon officer was charged with two counts of 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. All of the offenses are misdemeanors.

Protecting investigations

Arrestees’ names usually are published before the case is resolved, but these officers’ names are being withheld to assist the safety of “ongoing undercover operations.”

State police Capt. Daniel Roach, who supervises the investigative division that oversees MANS, said internal investigations would be handled by Bolingbrook and Channahon police.

“We are working in conjunction with the Peoria Police Department in regards to this case. We are taking an internal look at what occurred, while the officers who were present remain on active duty,” Channahon Chief Joe Pena confirmed.

“The incident remains under an internal investigation within the department, as this is a personnel issue,” Bolingbrook Lt. Mike Rompa said in a statement.