District 300 teacher accused of felony battery outside Crystal Lake bar

A Community Unit District 300 elementary school teacher is facing six felony battery charges after authorities said he got into a physical altercation outside of a bar in downtown Crystal Lake.

Jason K. Katzbeck, 49, of Lake in the Hills, is charged with two felony counts of aggravated battery to a police officer and four felony counts of aggravated battery in a public place, according to court records.

He is also charged with criminal damage to property of less than $500 and disorderly conduct. Both are misdemeanors.

According to a complaint filed in McHenry County court, Katzbeck was outside Rookies Sports Bar & Grill early Saturday, April 4, when he punched a person “with a closed fist,” creating a laceration that required “stitches on the wound.” He is also accused of kicking a Crystal Lake police officer in the leg, according to the complaint.

Records show that Katzbeck was released with conditions and is due to appear in court May 5. Available court records do not list an attorney for him.

The District 300 website lists Katzbeck as an English as a second language teacher at Perry Elementary School in Carpentersville and a district homebound tutor. A LinkedIn profile under the same name states he has worked for the district since 2004.

District 300 officials did not respond to requests for comment.