Channahon officer suspended for part in strip club brawl

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Updated: June 13, 2011 1:56PM

CHANNAHON — An officer has been suspended for participating in a fight between police and bouncers at a Peoria strip club last month.

Chief Joe Pena said Wednesday that Mark Soustek’s “conduct did violate our departmental policy concerning conduct unbecoming a police officer.” Soustek, 26, has been suspended for three days without pay.

On April 5, local officers assigned to the Metropolitan Area Narcotics Squad went to Big Al’s while in Peoria for a law enforcement conference.

Peoria police said the group was unhappy when one member was told he wouldn’t be allowed inside without identification.

A 34-year-old Bolingbrook officer allegedly began arguing with a bouncer when he was told he would be kicked out.

“(The Bolingbrook cop) was squaring off with the bouncer when (Soustek) pushed the bouncer over a chair,” Peoria Officer Doug Burgess said.

A 40-year-old Bolingbrook officer became involved in the struggle, which spilled into the parking lot and was recorded on surveillance video in and outside the club.

Soustek was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor 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.

“As there are two sides to every story, it should also be noted that upon review of the case by the Peoria County state’s attorney’s office, no criminal charges will be filed in the matter, and we are considering this matter closed,” Pena said.

“The state’s attorney’s office has correctly dismissed all charges,” Bolingbrook Lt. Mike Rompa said. “Our internal investigation is still open in regards to this matter, due in part to awaiting the outcome of the alleged criminal case. The department can now move forward in making a decision in regards to the internal aspect of this incident.”

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