Freeport, Ill. — A Leonore man has been charged with several felonies for allegedly hitting striking three pedestrians with his automobile in the parking lot of Jumpin’ Joe’s in Freeport early Sunday.
Joseph E. Bierbrodt, 41, of Leonore was arrested Sunday and is charged with aggravated battery, leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury, and aggravated reckless driving. Leonore is located in LaSalle County, Illinois. Authorities are still investing the case.
Investigators say the accident happened around 1:30 a.m. Sunday in the Jumpin’ Joe’s parking lot, 1100 W. Galena Ave. Eyewitnesses report there was a fight in the parking lot involving several people before the vehicle crash. At some point, Bierbrodt got involved in the fight but it is unclear as to why, according to Sgt. Jeff Mastroianni of the Freeport Police Department.
“Some witnesses say there was a fight involving others (and that) Joseph got involved,” Mastroianni said. “Some said he was trying to break it up.”
It is still unclear as to what actually took place. Bierbrodt got into his vehcile and struck three people in the parking lot. The three pedestrians hit were Brittany A. Wellington, 22, of Freeport, Shaun L Bradbury, 28 of Freeport, and Christopher A. Homan 26 of Freeport. None of the victims sustained life threatening injuries.
Some eyewitnesses are saying the Bierbrodt intentionally ran over the three. Others are saying that he was trying to leave the parking lot when they surrounded Briebrodt's vehicle.
If convicted of aggravated battery, Bierbrodt could be sentenced to probation. Howvever a Class 3 felony is punishable by up to five years in prison, according to Stephenson County State’s Attorney John Vogt. If convicted of aggravated reckless driving and leaving the scene of an injury accident, Briebordty could received probation, but the charges are Class 4 felonies and he could be sentenced for up to three years in prison, Vogt said.
Vogt declined to comment further as the case is still under investigation.
“There appear to be a lot of witnesses,” Vogt said. “We haven’t read the police reports. They’re still being compiled. ... It would not be fair for me to speculate on evidence, since I don’t have all the (reports and information) in front of me.”
