Elgin, IL — A man from Bartlett, Illinois, received a 19-year prison sentence on Monday after admitting guilt in a case involving a violent altercation at a local bar, which escalated into a stabbing incident last year.
Jason Ostrego, 30, entered a guilty plea to charges of attempted first-degree murder and armed violence following his arrest in connection with the January 2022 attack at Hoppe’s Corner in Elgin. The events leading to Ostrego’s charges began with a heated exchange that turned racially insensitive.
Witness accounts and police reports revealed that Ostrego had been vocal about his displeasure with the bar’s music selection, using racially offensive language. Despite several warnings to cease his behavior, Ostrego escalated the situation, prompting his removal from the premises.
Outside the bar, an argument ensued between Ostrego and Anton Patterson, an African-American patron. Ostrego reportedly directed racial slurs at Patterson and challenged him to a fight. In the heated moment, Ostrego managed to free himself from those holding him back, producing a knife and stabbing Patterson in the chest.
David Scruggs, the bar manager, intervened, striking Ostrego in an attempt to halt the attack. During the confrontation, Ostrego slashed Scruggs across the face and hand. Responding officers apprehended Ostrego at the scene, and a knife was recovered.
Both victims were urgently transported to Sherman Hospital in Elgin. Patterson required open-heart surgery to mend a significant wound to his right ventricle, while Scruggs received 20 stitches for his injuries.
Under Illinois state law, Ostrego is mandated to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence before eligibility for parole. This case highlights the severe consequences of racially charged violence and the legal system’s efforts to address such grievous acts.
The community and local officials have responded to the incident with calls for increased awareness and preventative measures against racially motivated violence and aggression in public settings. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges society faces in fostering environments where diversity is respected and protected.