NEW GLARUS — On Saturday, Sept. 27, at approximately 10:02 p.m., the New Glarus Police Department was notified by the band performing under the Oktoberfest tent of an altercation occurring under the Oktoberfest tent.
Event patrons assisted in detaining the suspect until officers were able to navigate through the crowd and take the individual into custody. Officers conducted interviews with multiple witnesses, as well as the victim.
The victim, who sustained visible head injuries, was evaluated by New Glarus Area EMS and was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. It was reported that the individual had been struck in the head at least three times with a closed fist and several times with a blunt object. The victim was actively bleeding from the head.
Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that Ian L. Eidt 46, Marshall, became agitated over the band’s performance and began shouting profanities and derogatory remarks towards the band. The victim continued to try to de-escalate Eidt. Eidt attempted to access the stage at one point and was manipulating the stage lighting equipment as it was moving in a way that would indicate it was going to fall into the crowd due to Eidts actions. The victim intervened in an attempt to prevent Eidt from injuring the band members or nearby patrons, at which point Eidt physically assaulted the victim by punching him repeatedly in the head and face with a closed fist. Eidt also struck the victim in the head with a blunt object.
Eidt was taken into custody and transported to the Green County Jail. He has been formally charged with the Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct with Elder Person and Dangerous Weapon Enhancers, Felony Substantial Battery, and Felony Battery to Elder Person with a Dangerous Weapon Enhancer His initial court appearance was Sept. 30. His signature bond was signed Oct. 1 and his next court appearance is at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 13.
The New Glarus Police Department extended its gratitude to all the bystanders who offered assistance during the unfortunate incident that occurred under the Oktoberfest tent.
