Groom charged with slugging roommate at wedding reception

Newlywed Sean Kelly had his photo taken after a reception in his and his bride's honor Sunday night in Huntley, but it's one picture not likely to find its way into the couple's wedding album.

The photo of Kelly in an orange jail jumpsuit was snapped after police arrested him on allegations he slugged his roommate - an apparent relative of his new wife - when a verbal dispute at the reception turned into a violent brawl that left several guests bloodied and beaten.

"People were exchanging words and it got out of hand," Huntley Police Chief John Perkins said. "The officers (who responded) described most of the people involved as being intoxicated."

Kelly, 26, of the 3500 block of Lawrence Lane in Northbrook, initially was arrested for domestic battery for punching a 30-year-old man who, Perkins said, shares the same last name as his bride and lives with the couple.

Then things got even worse for the groom.

As officers were taking Kelly into custody, Perkins said, he asked if he could give his brother some items in the trunk of his car.

"As it turns out, those items were seven firearms and ammunition he was not allowed to possess," Perkins said.

Kelly could not possess the items - a cache that included three rifles, three handguns and 39 rounds of .30-caliber rifle ammunition - because Illinois State Police had revoked his firearm owner's identification card, court documents state. Huntley police, Perkins said, still are investigating why state police revoked Kelly's right to possess a firearm.

Authorities charged Kelly with six counts of possession of a firearm without a FOID card and one count of possession of ammunition without a FOID card. All are Class 3 felonies punishable by a maximum two to five years in prison, or probation.

Police were called to the reception, held at a home in the 11200 block of Nicollete Lane, about 6:50 p.m. in response to reports of a disturbance. Officers arriving on the scene broke up the altercation and tried to get to the bottom of what caused it.

"We got several different stories," Perkins said.

Although several reception guests suffered cuts and bruises, none required medical attention, Perkins said.

Kelly was being held Tuesday afternoon at the McHenry County jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on the charges Monday.