A summer evening at a Portage County lakeside winery turned ugly when a liquor-rule dustup spilled toward the docks and left a co-owner seriously injured, authorities say. David Wilson, who helps run the Cove W Winery on Berlin Lake, suffered significant head and jaw trauma on June 12 after he stepped in to help a bartender and was punched while trying to break up a scuffle. He remains in recovery, and a suspect is now in custody on a felony assault charge.
Fight Started Over Drinks Headed for a Boat, Sheriff Says
Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski told investigators the confrontation began when a group tried to carry alcohol from the winery onto a boat, which he said is not allowed under the winery’s liquor license, according to WOIO. Security footage from the tasting room reportedly shows patrons arguing near the water while staff repeatedly tell them they cannot take drinks off the property, until the situation escalates.
Security Video Captures Jaw-Cracking Punch
Sheriff Zuchowski said the crucial moment is clearly visible on camera, describing how one patron suddenly struck Wilson. “It cracked his jaw,” he told WOIO. Wilson then fell backward and hit his head on the concrete, an impact that the sheriff said is also visible in the footage.
Deputies spent nearly two weeks looking for the suspect. According to the sheriff, the man was ultimately arrested in Canton with help from the U.S. Marshals Service.
Winery Shares Injury Update and Names Charged Suspect
The winery later posted on its social channels that Wilson is dealing with brain swelling along with cognition and speech issues, though he is described as being in stable condition, as reported by Cleveland.com. Court records cited by that outlet identify the suspect as Eric Blose, who faces one count of felonious assault and was given a $25,000 bond.
Legal Implications
Under Ohio law, felonious assault is generally charged as a second-degree felony that can bring prison time and fines. The statute and potential penalties are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue any enhanced charges based on the evidence and on any aggravating factors that emerge as the investigation continues.
How a Lakefront Perk Turned Into a Flashpoint
The clash underscores the tightrope walk of lakefront tasting rooms when it comes to hospitality and liquor laws. The Cove W website spells out that outside food and drinks are not allowed and notes that the tasting area is reachable both by road and by water. Those ground rules help explain why staff moved in to stop drinks from leaving the property before the confrontation boiled over, according to Cove W Winery.
