Bar owner asks for return of video evidence
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RONAN — Ronan bar owner Richard Wheeler and wife Vicki were present at Ronan’s regular city council meeting last week requesting to have videos of violent acts committed in their bar returned from the Ronan Police Department. According to Richard, four months ago a few locals entered his establishment, the Club Bar, and assaulted people “for no reason,” stating the offenders were part of the local I.P.O. gang, who call themselves “Indian Power.”
“I called (Ronan Police Chief Dan Wadsworth) and showed him the video, which was a very vicious attack,” Richard said. “(And) I’ve never had any communication back from the Ronan Police Department.”
He’s convinced these gang members mean business, and if nothing is done, they will eventually kill someone.
“Everything gets brushed under the table,” co-owner Vicki said. “Nothing ever gets done, and I’m at the end of my patience.” Wadsworth responded by stating the police department has to keep the original copy for a certain length of time. Vicki responded by requesting at least a copy of certain videos she has handed over in the past.
“The detective (who is working on the ongoing investigation) has not got it put on a CD yet,” Wadsworth said. “We don’t have the capabilities to make a copy here. If we prosecute them, we have to keep (the videos).”
“I want at least a copy,” Vicki replied.
“The investigation is underway; we’re working with two jurisdictions. These things don’t happen overnight,” Wadsworth said. “I’d like to get rid of these people, but I can’t tell them to move out of Ronan. My hands are tied.”
Wadsworth then informed the tavern owners that they can have anyone arrested for criminal trespassing if they sign a notarized paper.
As for the videos, Wadsworth says he’ll try to get them back as soon as possible.
Also on the agenda was a request from the Ronan School District for a no-parking zone at the corner of Third Avenue and Round Butte Road, which can fit eight to 10 vehicles. The concern for the school district is cars not seeing approaching cars when they pull out of their parking spots.
Trustees agreed to hand the issue over to their Inter-government Relations Committee, which also deals with other Ronan School District issues.
Old business regarding the library district was postponed to the next meeting on Dec. 12, since Frank Delgado was absent.
