Two men are facing multiple charges following an early Sunday morning incident in Vandalia.
Vandalia Police Reports indicate that 21 year old Christopher A. Lambert of Mason was ejected from a Vandalia establishment early on Sunday morning after witnesses said he had used racial slurs in referring to two African-American males and several of the other customers complained. Police reports say this was the second time that Lambert had been ejected from the establishment on that night. And, witnesses say that Lambert said he was going to return with a friend. About 2 hours later, Vandalia Police were called to Johnson Street–near Pine for an incident. Four individuals told Vandalia Police that Lambert and 23 year old Collin R. Lerro of Iuka were chasing them with bats, breaking out the back window of one vehicle and witnesses adding Lambert allegedly threatened them with a gun. Lambert was being detained by one individual when Vandalia Police attempted to handcuff him. And, after securing the handcuff on Lambert’s left wrist, the Vandalia Police Officer said Lambert pulled his right arm free and attempted to strike him with his elbow. The Vandalia Police Office then placed Lambert on the ground using the minimum amount of force he believed to be necessary and, after being handcuffed, Lambert was placed on his right side to prevent breathing difficulties. An ambulance was called to the scene and police reports say Lambert refused medical attention. After being taken into custody, police say that Lambert continued to use a racial slur to describe the 2 African-American men and Lambert was advised multiple not to speak like that.
In Fayette County Court on Tuesday, Lambert was charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Battery, a Hate Crime, Mob Action, and Obstructing or Resisting a Peace Officer. Lerro was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Battery, a Hate Crime, Mob Action and Criminal Damage to Property. Both had probable cause found and both had bond set at $35,000. Lerro was appointed Public Defender William Starnes while Lambert requested time to hire an attorney. Both are set to appear next in Fayette County Court on February 12th.
Comments