Man seriously injured in 'random act of violence' at Niko's Red Mill Tavern, Woodstock police say

A man suffered serious injuries that were not life-threatening when three men attacked him in the Niko’s Red Mill Tavern bathroom, officials said.

Reached by phone Tuesday, Woodstock Police Chief John Lieb called the attack a “random act of violence” and said the man didn’t know the men who attacked him.

“As chief of police for the city of Woodstock, I am extremely disheartened by the actions of the individuals who allegedly committed these crimes while in the City of Woodstock,” Lieb said in an written statement Tuesday.

Charged in connection with the alleged battery are Steven J. Wennerstrom, of the 1100 block of East Rand Road, Lakemoor; Timothy M. Freitag, 47, of the 100 block of Charleston Lane, Gilberts; and Anthony E. Chrisos, 54, of the 11100 block of South Route 14, Woodstock.

Each of the men is charged with aggravated battery. Wennerstrom and Chrisos additionally are charged with mob action. Police expect more charges will be filed against Freitag, according to a news release.

The situation began about 7 p.m. when Woodstock police were called to Niko’s Red Mill Tavern, 1040 Lake Ave. Responding officers received reports that three men struck and repeatedly kicked another man who was having dinner at the restaurant with his family, according to the release.

Video surveillance showed Freitag blocking access to the women’s restroom while two women who were with him used a multi-person restroom, according to the release. Freitag also is accused of blocking entry to the bathroom when the alleged victim’s 13-year-old daughter tried to enter.

“The 13-year-old girl then went and told her father what just occurred. The father/victim then went to the restroom area and had a conversation with Freitag and inquired why his daughter was unable to use the women’s restroom,” Lieb said in the news release. “After a brief conversation, the father/victim walked away and sat back at his table.”

The women then left the bathroom and spoke with Freitag as the young girl entered the bathroom. After speaking with Freitag a second time, the alleged victim entered the men’s bathroom, according to the release.

Freitag then stepped outside for a few seconds and almost immediately returned with two other men, who later were identified as Chrisos and Wennerstrom, according to the release.

“Freitag, Chrisos and Wennerstrom all immediately entered the men’s restroom, where the victim was still inside, where it was reported that all three participated in severely battering the victim,” Lieb wrote. “The victim was transported to an area hospital by the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.”

The victim lost consciousness during the fight and suffered a fractured nose and multiple bruises, court records show.

He eventually crawled away and left the bathroom with a limp and a swollen face, court records show.

Freitag, Chrisos and Wennerstrom did not rob the man, and it was not immediately clear why they might have attacked him, Lieb said.

“The accused individuals do not reflect the type of community that Woodstock is; there is absolutely no excuse or explanation for their actions,” Lieb said.

Each of the men has been released from the McHenry County Jail after posting bail, records show. Freitag and Wennerstrom are due back in court Thursday. Chrisos is expected to make his next court appearance on Dec. 7.