(Police Squad Photo by Kevin Mathewson, Kenosha County Eye)
KENOSHA, Wis. — A 32-year-old Kenosha man is facing felony charges after police say he brought a loaded handgun to a local tavern while looking for someone and allegedly inappropriately touched a woman playing a gaming machine.
Dante Lamont Gayden was charged Tuesday in Kenosha County Circuit Court with possession of a firearm by a felon and carrying a concealed weapon, as a repeater. Court Commissioner William Michel II set bail at $10,000 cash on Monday. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 17.
(Kenosha County Sheriff)
According to the criminal complaint, officers were called to Shenanigan’s Tavern on 52nd Street the evening of May 11 after a man reportedly entered the bar, made threats, and appeared to be looking for another individual. Witnesses said the man kept his hand in his sweatshirt pocket as though he was holding a weapon.
Before the alleged threats, a woman said she was playing a gaming machine when the man touched her inner thigh, groin, and buttocks from behind. When she confronted him, he allegedly grabbed her wrist and argued with her until another patron intervened.
The suspect left but returned moments later wearing a hoodie, angrier than before, and again made threats before fleeing. Officers soon located Gayden several blocks away. During a pat-down, an officer felt what was believed to be a gun in Gayden’s waistband. A loaded Glock 19 was recovered with a round chambered and 12 rounds in the magazine.
Police say Gayden admitted he armed himself with the gun and went to the bar after receiving a call from his girlfriend, who he claimed was the victim there.
Gayden has a recent felony conviction for second-degree recklessly endangering safety from April, meaning he is legally prohibited from possessing any firearm for life. If convicted on the new charges, he faces up to 12 years in prison.
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