Two face charges in Houlton bar fight that resulted in injuries

HOULTON – A local man remained Sunday at the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton after he and his uncle sent two employees of a local bar to the hospital after a bar fight, according to a Houlton police officer.

Rodney Polchies Jr., 22, of Houlton was arrested Friday night on a charge of aggravated criminal mischief, a felony, and was issued a summons Saturday on three counts of assault. Mark Polchies, 40, of Houlton was issued a summons on one count of assault, Cpl. Dana Duff of the Houlton Police Department said Saturday.

Duff said that assaults on three bar employees took place inside the Lounge Down Under in Houlton after the Polchieses were asked to leave.

“Basically, they were told to leave the bar and they [allegedly] assaulted three employees. They used a beer bottle,” Duff said.

The corporal said that the Polchieses left the bar but that Rodney Polchies returned. When employees tried to remove him physically, he kicked and punched a glass door in the bar, demolishing it and causing about $2,000 in damage. Duff said that is what prompted the felony charge.

All three of the victims in the assault were males, though police have not released their names or ages. Duff said two of the men were taken to Houlton Regional Hospital, treated for lacerations to the head and arms and later released.

Duff said he made the arrest and was assisted by Houlton Officer Eric Crouse. Rodney Polchies Jr.’s bail was set at $5,000 cash.

Mark Polchies’ court date was set for May 9 in Houlton District Court. Rodney Polchies’ court date will be April 20 in Caribou Superior Court.