A family argument spilled out of a bar onto the streets of Waupaca, resulting in a trip to the hospital and criminal charges.
Eric D. Gunderson, 23, Beloit, is charged with substantial battery and disorderly conduct.
Shortly before 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, Waupaca Police Officer Brent Wittman was dispatched to the Cooper Street parking lot at T-Dub’s Pub. He met with a 59-year-old man who was holding a towel to his bleeding face.
The injured man’s wife said Gunderson hit his father. The injured man said he did not need medical attention.
Wittman left the scene to look for Gunderson. He saw Gunderson’s brother, who was also looking for him.
Wittman returned to the parking lot. After talking with the injured man again, Wittman called dispatch and asked for an ambulance. The father was later transported to the hospital for stitches.
According to the criminal complaint, the family had been inside the pub when Gunderson said he was depressed and wanted to die. His father reportedly responded, “That is stupid. Don’t talk like that.”
Gunderson walked out of the bar and his father followed him. The two allegedly began grappling. The father told police he did not know if he was injured because Gunderson punched him or because his face hit the pavement when he fell.
Wittman then learned that Gunderson and his brother, who had gone looking for him, were fighting on South State Street.
Three more officers were called to the area. They took both brothers into custody.