Swanson Case Continued
G. Joe Swanson
Garrett Joe Swanson did not appear in court.
Swanson, 28, of Warsaw, is charged with a class B felony for allegedly punching 28-year-old Nicholas Phillips outside of Rex’s Rendezvous in the early morning hours of May 18. According to a probable cause affidavit, Phillips sustained two punches to the head which resulted in serious head and facial injuries.
Swanson was schedule to make an initial court appearance on May 24 but, through his attorney, J. Brad Voelz, waived that hearing. He was then set for a pre-trial conference this morning but Voelz filed for a continuance. Swason’s next pre-trial conference is now scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 30.
Pretrial conferences are almost always held in the judge’s chambers with both the prosecution and defense lawyers, and the judge.
According to court documents, a witness in the case, Ryan Schultz, told Warsaw Police Det. Steve Adang that people were arm wrestling inside Rex’s Rendezvous on the night of May 18. Those people were allegedly competing for $1,000, a claim that could result in additional charges.
Schultz told police that Phillips approached Swanson inside the bar and told him he would fight him for $10,000. Swanson allegedly told Phillips to go outside.
The affidavit says Swanson punched Phillips in the face, then removed his shirt and got into a nearby vehicle. Phillips allegedly approached the vehicle when Swanson got out and again punched Phillips in the face, then ran.
Warsaw Police Officers who arrived on the scene identified Swanson, who ran back into the bar and out a rear exit. When Swanson was contacted via telephone, he initially denied being at the bar. He turned himself into authorities later that same afternoon where he arrested and held on a $10,000 bond.
Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Hampton was not available for comment this afternoon.
