Accused linked to local gang
TRAVERSE CITY -- One of two suspects is behind bars, accused of brutally attacking a Traverse City man at a local bar.
Traverse City Police say Shane Marquette was punched in the head and face while on the ground outside Loading Dock bar in downtown Traverse City on the morning of September 20th.
Gary Ellis and Christopher Hildreth have been charged with Assault With Intent To Do Great Bodily Harm Less Than Murder. Ellis is currently being held in the Grand Traverse County Jail, but authorities couldn't provide any information on the whereabouts of Hildreth.
Witnesses, who wanted to keep their identities private say it was a horrific beating.
A witness says, "He was obviously not fighting back. He was unconscious and they didn't stop for a second. They threw five or six punches each after he was not fighting back at all."
The victim suffered several fractures in his face and nose. He was treated and released at Munson Medical Center after reconstructive surgery.
While violence like this is uncommon in Traverse City, there may be another surprise in the case. Traverse City Police say at least one of the suspects may have ties to a gang called World Wide Animal Control.
The gang has their own side of the story.
In a statement posted on Facebook, one member writes "This was an unprovoked attack on one of our members for wearing his jacket and just as all cowards this (expletive) is crying victim of an assault he started.... its important as a team that we are all aware of what is happening."
The suspects face ten years in prision. Stay with 7&4 News for the latest on the investigation.
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