Metra cop accused of beating man in Round Lake Park bar

A veteran Metra police officer is due in court next month to answer a battery charge that resulted from a bar altercation in Round Lake Park, authorities said.

Round Lake Park Police Chief George Filenko said Monday that Richard Capello attacked a 52-year-old man early in the morning June 12 at P.J.’s Park Inn on Main Street.

Filenko said Capello, 55, of Lindenhurst, was charged with misdemeanor battery. Capello is to appear July 12 in Lake County circuit court’s Round Lake Beach branch.

Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet confirmed Capello has been a police officer for the commuter rail agency since 2002. She said Metra was unaware of Capello’s arrest until contacted Monday by the Daily Herald and that an internal investigation will now occur.

Filenko said police were summoned at 1:13 a.m. June 12 for an “intoxicated person” fighting with a P.J.’s Park Inn patron.

Authorities said the victim was sitting with a woman when Capello approached and began yelling. Filenko said the victim got between Capello and the woman, who was described as small.

“The victim said he feared for the woman’s safety,” Filenko said.

After telling the victim to mind his business, Filenko said, Capello punched the man in the nose and struck him elsewhere several times. Capello left the bar after someone shouted for police to be called.

Round Lake Park police telephoned Capello after the altercation, Filenko said. Capello later surrendered at an emergency dispatching center for local police and fire departments in Round Lake Beach.

Police said officers observed bruising on the victim’s eye and ear.