close
close

Big Bend building department chief allegedly hit someone over a handicapped parking space

Investigators accuse the director of the Village of Big Bend's building department of punching someone in the face over a handicapped parking space on Wednesday. Prosecutors charged Eric Pedersen with assault and disturbing the peace, both misdemeanors. According to court documents, Pedersen called police and asked them to come to the building department's garage, which is located near Big Bend Village Park. When Police Chief Scott Sosnowski arrived, he saw Pedersen punch the victim three times. According to the victim's account in the criminal complaint, Pedersen confronted him and asked if he had a handicapped placard. He said he did and it was on the dashboard of the truck. According to investigators, the confrontation escalated when the victim got out of his truck. “At that point, the defendant assumed a fighting stance and punched Victim A three times in the face and shoulder area,” the complaint states. Pedersen told investigators he feared for his safety and defended himself. “This complaint literally alleges you came from one location and were so angry at another person for parking with a handicapped parking permit that the two of you got into a verbal argument where you punched someone in the face multiple times while the police chief was present,” Waukesha County Court Commissioner David Herring said. Pedersen had his first court appearance Friday, which featured some tense moments after Herring ordered him to stay away from weapons, including firearms. “Your honor, I have a problem with that,” Pedersen said. “I'm not asking you to. You might have a problem with that,” Herring said. “Well, I also work at a place where I'm a weapons specialist,” Pedersen said. Pedersen said his other job is Fleet Farm, but the commissioner didn't budge. “Do you then think it's appropriate for a court officer to allow the same person to carry firearms?” Herring said, “Your honor, I teach,” Pedersen said. “I don't care what you teach,” Herring said. Pedersen was released from jail on bail. The village placed Pedersen on leave. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that this is not the first time Big Bend has taken disciplinary action against him. The newspaper said Pedersen was suspended for 10 days in 2019 for violating village sexual harassment policies. WISN 12 News has filed public records requests for those documents.

BIG BEND, Wisconsin —

Investigators accuse the head of the Big Bend community's building department of punching someone in the face on Wednesday over a handicapped parking space.

Prosecutors charged Eric Pedersen with assault and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.

According to court documents, Pedersen called police and asked them to come to the DPW garage, which is located near Big Bend Village Park. When Police Chief Scott Sosnowski arrived, he saw Pedersen hit the victim three times.

According to the victim's account in the criminal complaint, Pedersen confronted him and asked him if he had a disability card. He replied yes and said it was on the dashboard of the truck.

Investigators said the altercation escalated when the victim got out of his truck.

“At this point, the defendant assumed a fighting stance and struck Victim A three times with his closed fist in the face and shoulder area,” the indictment states.

Pedersen told investigators he feared for his safety and defended himself.

“This complaint literally alleges that you came from a location and were so angry at another person for parking despite having a handicapped parking permit that a verbal argument ensued between the two of you during which you punched someone in the face multiple times in the presence of the police chief,” said Waukesha County Court Commissioner David Herring.

Pedersen had his first court appearance on Friday, where there were some tense moments after Herring ordered him to stay away from weapons, including firearms.

“Your Honor, I have a problem with that,” Pedersen said.

“I'm not asking that. Maybe you have a problem with that,” Herring said.

“Well, I work at a place where I’m also a weapons specialist,” Pedersen said.

Pedersen said his other job was at Fleet Farm, but the Commissioner persisted.

“Do you then think it is appropriate for a court official to allow that same person to possess firearms?” Herring said.

“Your Honor, I am teaching,” Pedersen said.

“I don’t care what you teach,” Herring said.

Pedersen was released from prison on bail.

The village has placed Pedersen on leave.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this is not the first time Big Bend has taken disciplinary action against him. The newspaper reported that Pedersen was suspended for 10 days in 2019 for violating village rules on sexual harassment. WISN 12 News has submitted requests for information on those documents.

You may also like...