(Kenosha County Sheriff)
KENOSHA, Wis. – A 20-year-old Kenosha man is facing five criminal charges after police say he physically resisted arrest and threatened to assault officers during a large Fourth of July disturbance that drew a crowd of nearly 100 people and required a SWAT quick-response team to contain.
Marquis D. Lewis II appeared in Kenosha County Intake Court Monday, where he was formally charged with two felony counts of threatening a law enforcement officer and three misdemeanors: disorderly conduct, obstructing an officer, and resisting arrest. Court Commissioner William Michel II set Lewis’s bail at $10,000 cash. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 15.
According to the criminal complaint, Kenosha Police were dispatched to the 3600 block of 50th Street around 11:05 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, following multiple reports of a large fight in the area. Officers estimated the crowd at 50 to 100 individuals, many of whom were shouting, posturing for physical confrontations, and failing to comply with police commands to disperse.
Officers reported that the group had been congregating throughout the evening and were warned earlier about loitering and disruptive conduct. As tensions escalated, police said they identified a young woman as a primary agitator in the crowd and attempted to remove her to prevent further violence.
As officers approached, Lewis allegedly stepped in front of the woman and physically blocked an officer from reaching her. When Officer James Karaway attempted to move Lewis aside, the defendant reportedly shoved him hard enough to knock him off his feet. Police said Lewis then resisted multiple officers’ attempts to place him under arrest, keeping his hands under his body and straining against efforts to handcuff him.
While officers were struggling to detain Lewis, several members of the crowd allegedly charged at police with clenched fists and had to be pushed back. One officer pointed a Taser at individuals who displayed “pre-attack indicators” to deter further violence, the complaint states.
Officers eventually used a knee strike and OC spray to subdue Lewis and force him into a squad car. But even after being restrained, he allegedly continued to fight, shouting “You ain’t getting me in that motherfucking car!” and telling officers he was “stronger than all” of them.
During the drive to the Kenosha County Jail, Lewis reportedly hurled vulgar insults and threats at the two transporting officers, yelling, “I’ll beat the fuck outta each one of y’all.” Once at the jail, authorities say it took five correctional officers to gain control of Lewis and place him in a holding cell.
Police described the scene as volatile and noted the area near 36th Avenue and 50th Street has a history of violent crime, including past shootings and hostile crowds during police responses.
If convicted on all charges, Lewis faces up to 13 years and 9 months in jail and more than $30,000 in potential fines.
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3 Responses
I suggest a compromise on the pending punishments, a plea bargain if you will;
Instead of, “13 years and 9 months in jail and more than $30,000 in potential fines.” agree to drop the fines in exchange for an additional 30 years sentencing.
It’s always the same group of people doing this! SMH
N