Charges upgraded in Naperville bar stabbing

Charges against a Lombard man accused of knifing a bouncer who tried to kick him out of a Naperville saloon have been upgraded to attempted murder, prosecutors said Friday.

Adam B. Hearn, 31, of the 900 block of South Main Street, was indicted by a DuPage County grand jury Thursday on one count each of armed violence and attempted murder, and two counts each of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and aggravated battery.

Authorities said Hearn stabbed a male bouncer at Naperville's BlackFinn American Saloon after Hearn and his girlfriend were caught smoking in one of the tavern's restrooms shortly after 1:30 a.m. March 5. He then threatened to kill anybody who came near him, prosecutors said in court.

Hearn was arrested at the scene after several other security guards subdued him. Prosecutors have said the victim later underwent surgery for a three-inch gash to his abdomen.

Hearn initially faced charges alleging he attacked the bouncer with a deadly weapon knowing it could cause serious injury. But the grand jury indictment accuses him of acting “with the intent to kill.”

Before the indictment, Hearn faced up to 10 years in prison if found guilty of aggravated battery. Prosecutors said he now faces up to 60 years if convicted of armed violence and attempted murder.

Court records show Hearn was previously convicted of attempted murder in DuPage County and sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1996. Authorities said he also was convicted in a prior drug case, and is a known gang member.

Hearn, who is expected to be arraigned Monday, remained in the county jail Friday on $250,000 bail. He would have to post $25,000 to bond out while the case is pending.

His girlfriend, Kelly L. Cihlar, 25, of Woodridge, also remains charged with obstructing justice, resisting arrest, battery, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia in connection with the stabbing. She is due in court April 12.