Beer pong players attack man who didn’t pay for next round
By Erin Guerra Post-Tribune correspondent July 23, 2012 2:46PM
Jeffrey Melton. | Provided Photo~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: August 25, 2012 6:11AM
PORTAGE — Three local men are accused of beating a Chicago man unconscious after he reneged on his promise to pay for the next game of beer pong.
The 24-year-old victim was non-responsive and bleeding from the face when police arrived at about 3 a.m. Friday and found him lying on the sidewalk in front of Moods Pub & Eatery, at 2548 Portage Mall. He refused medical treatment when he woke, and he was unable to remember who attacked him.
Witnesses told police the men had been with two groups playing beer pong in Moods bar while talking trash. The victim agreed to pay for the next round of beer for the game but later changed his mind, deciding to leave instead of drinking more, according to the police report. As he and his friends left, three 21-year-olds — identified by patrons as Jeffrey Melton of Portage, Tyler Gorden of Portage and James Harting II of Hebron — followed and allegedly attacked outside. The victim reportedly was knocked out by a kick to the face.
After police finished the investigation at the scene, one of the officers went to eat at Shake N Shake, at 6231 U.S. 6, but instead he found the suspects inside.
He arrested all three for misdemeanor battery, although Melton was treated at Portage hospital for a laceration to his hand before he could be transported to the jail.
The men denied knowing anything about a fight, then said they were defending themselves, according to the police report. The Buick they used to flee the scene was found outside the restaurant and impounded, police said.
