1 accused bouncer is ex-officer

11/18/2003

A former Toledo police officer fired in 1998 for punching a motorist several times during an arrest was one of three bouncers arrested for assaulting a patron at a North Toledo strip club.

Charles Besly, 35, of 5746 Phillips Ave., Sylvania, and two other bouncers, Michael Getzinger, 29, of 531 Gramercy Ave., and Eric C. Plessner, 26, of 20691 North Dixie Hwy., Middleton Township, Wood County, were arraigned yesterday in Toledo Municipal Court on felonious assault charges. They were released on their own recognizance after their arrest early Saturday.

They are accused of punching and kicking Jeffery Schroeder, 46, of Springfield Township at Platinum Showgirls, 5801 Telegraph Rd., about 11 p.m. Friday. Court records indicate Mr. Schroeder was knocked down and held to the ground, suffering two fractured vertebra in his back. He was treated in St. Luke s Hospital, police said.

Mr. Schroeder told police he paid a stripper $20 after she danced for him. He told police the stripper continued dancing without his consent and then asked him for $40 more. When he refused to pay, the bouncers took him to a private room and assaulted him, police said.

Mr. Schroeder said one of the bouncers removed his wallet, took $40, returned the wallet, and kicked him out of the club. The bouncers told police they talked to Mr. Schroeder, who paid voluntarily and left while shouting threats at them. They denied assaulting him, a police report said.

Police Chief Mike Navarre fired Mr. Besly after an investigation determined that he repeatedly struck David Bobb in July, 1998. Mr. Besly said Mr. Bobb failed to stop at a stop sign and raced away. Mr. Besly and his partner caught the car in West Toledo.

Witnesses said Mr. Besly hit Mr. Bobb several times though Mr. Bobb offered no resistance. At least one witness filed a complaint that night against the former officer. Mr. Besly s firing was appealed, but an arbitrator ruled the chief was justified in his decision.