Two accused in post-wedding scuffle plead not guilty

Two Beach Park men accused of being involved in a post-wedding scuffle near Zion pleaded not guilty to charges Thursday in Lake County court.

James Bakken, 33, of the 11300 block West Carnahan Avenue, and Matthew Bowen, 25, of the 11200 block of West Leland Avenue in Beach Park, are both scheduled for trial Dec. 14, after pleading not guilty to charges of unlawful use of a weapon, defacing the serial numbers off a hand gun and possession of a weapon by a felon, Judge Daniel Shanes said.

Bakken remains held in Lake County jail on $100,000 bail. Bowen is free from jail after posting the required 10 percent of his $25,000 bail.

Oscar Cervantes, 28, of the 100 block of North St. James Street in Waukegan, was also charged after the Sept. 7 scuffle. He is due in court Friday for arraignment.

Police were called to the 100 block of Lakefront Drive near Zion to break up a confrontation involving handguns at 2:40 a.m., authorities said.

Cervantes pointed a handgun at the 23-year-old victim during the confrontation, authorities said. Bakken also produced a handgun and used it to strike the victim in the face, according to authorities. Bowen was also involved in the confrontation, though authorities did not provide details about his role.

Bowen and the victim were guests at the wedding, officials said, but Bakken and Cervantes were not.

The three suspects attempted to run from police, but Lake County sheriff's deputies caught them and recovered two loaded .380 caliber handguns, authorities said.

The three are also facing charges of mob action,

Bowen is due back in court Nov. 20, and Bakken is due back in court Oct. 28.