Man pleads not guilty in Libertyville stabbing

The man charged with stabbing a Grayslake man outside a Libertyville tavern pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Lake County Circuit Court.

Ryan Mikulski, 28, of Trevor, Wis., faces up to five years in prison if convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Police said Mikulski argued with the 33-year-old victim outside the Island Tap in the 10 block of East Cook Street just before midnight Feb. 18.

Assistant State’s Attorney Matthew Demartini said Mikulski stabbed and slashed the victim at least eight times in front of several witnesses. Witnesses reported confrontations between others in the crowd gathered outside the bar, but no other arrests were made.

Demartini said authorities are uncertain what sparked the violence between the two.

The victim was treated at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, recovered from his wounds and was released, Demartini said.

Police responded from the Libertyville police station, less than a block from the scene, and were assisted by officers from Vernon Hills police and the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group.

Mikulski was ordered held on $400,000 bond, but was released after posting $40,000 in cash.

Associate Judge George Bridges ordered Mikulski to appear in court April 21.