McHenry man arrested in stabbing over bartender

Police Monday announced the arrest of a McHenry man in connection with a Saturday morning bar stabbing.

Dennis P. Ericksen, 31, of the 2900 block of Justen Road, was charged with felony aggravated battery stemming from the altercation inside Sentimental Journey Bar in McHenry, police said.

Ericksen had been arguing with another man named Ivan Cvitkovic, who was subsequently stabbed in the lower torso with a pocket knife, said Lt. Andrew Zinke.

Their dispute appears to have been centered on one of the bar's employees, Zinke said.

"It sounds like they both had mutual interest in the female bartender," Zinke said.

McHenry County Sheriff's deputies responded to the bar just after midnight when 911 personnel indicated Ericksen had stabbed Cvitkovic, police said.

Cvitkovic was taken to Centegra Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry, where he underwent surgery to repair damage done to his lung. Police say he is expected to make a full recovery.

Ericksen, meanwhile, fled the bar after the stabbing, police said, but Island Lake police officers caught up with him about a half-hour later, Zinke said.

He was taken into custody for speeding and driving on a suspended license, Zinke said.

After questioning, Ericksen also was charged with one county of aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony.

Ericksen was released on $2,500 bond and is due to appear in court Jan. 13.

If convicted on the felony charge, he faces up to five years in prison.