Officer Bobby Hoese Charged with Aggravated Battery

EDWARDSVILLE

A Pontoon Beach police officer was charged with two felonies -- aggravated battery and mob action -- on Friday in Madison County Circuit Court.

Sheriff's deputies took police Officer Bobby D. Hoese, 29, of Granite City, into custody on Wednesday after a fight outside the Inn Between Tavern in Granite City that left one man with facial fractures, according to Capt. Brad Wells, chief of detectives.

The argument between the off-duty officer and the victim, stemmed from a previous confrontation over a woman.

"We had understood that there was a problem in the past between Hoese and the victim over a female," Wells said.

After the argument inside the bar, Hoese called Dennis M. Barbee, 60, of Highland, from the bar and told him about the argument.

Barbee arrived at the bar on 5200 Maryville Road and he and Hoese followed the victim to the parking lot.

The victim was treated at a hospital and released.

Barbee was also charged with aggravated battery and mob action.

A bar patron told investigators that Hoese grabbed him by the throat and threw him to the ground when he tried to go outside and check on the victim.

Hoese also was charged with battery, which is a misdemeanor.

Both men surrendered at the Madison County Jail on Friday. Each man had bail set at $50,000, and both men posted bond by late Friday afternoon.

A news release issued by Pontoon Beach Police Chief Charles Luehmann stated Hoese was placed on administrative leave.

"Depending on the outcome of our internal investigation, we will establish the level of disciplinary action commensurate with the charges that are found to be true," stated the press release.

Information on whether Hoese would be paid while on leave was not available Friday evening.