Crime & Public Safety
Man sentenced after video-documented attack at Fort Wayne bar
A man who pleaded guilty to charges stemming from a May 2025 attack inside a Fort Wayne bar was sentenced in Allen County court on Friday. The defendant was sentenced to five years, with three years to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction and two years of probation, after earlier pleading guilty to Level 5 felony battery resulting in serious bodily injury and misdemeanor criminal recklessness.
Court proceedings included prosecutors showing a viral cellphone video capturing the assault inside Pike’s Pub and a victim impact statement read in court. In court filings, investigators reported the recording captured multiple men kicking, punching, and throwing a chair at the person who was attacked; the filings also allege the defendant shouted profanities, directed racial slurs, and encouraged others to continue.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed charges of criminal organization activity and a criminal gang enhancement, and the executed prison term was capped at three years. The defendant is not required to testify against five co-defendants; those five have pleaded not guilty and a joint trial is scheduled for December.
During sentencing, the courtroom experienced a disturbance when a woman accompanying the defendant was placed under arrest; the Allen County Sheriff’s Department has said she faces preliminary charges of disorderly conduct and resisting law enforcement. The prosecutor characterized the event as more than a spontaneous bar fight based on the video and alleged racial language, while defense counsel noted the defendant’s health and urged leniency. The legal process for the remaining defendants remains pending.
All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
More Allen County news · Request a correction or case update
All individuals mentioned in criminal allegations are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.