News : Area man recovering from beating in Wisconsin; 3 suspects face felony charges

Nick and Kristin Decker; Nick is recovering from a vicious beating in Wisconsin.

A Garrison man is recovering in a Wisconsin hospital after a vicious beating.

Nick Decker was injured when assailants described by witnesses as “four Mexicans” assaulted him in the parking lot of the Road Dawg Bar in Beloit. Police called the event an “aggravated battery;” it took place at around 1 a.m. Monday morning.

“He's been working in Beloit since the beginning of August at the DuPont plant, where he is in charge of a few guys,” said Nick’s wife, Kristin.

Kristin relates what she has learned about the event:

“They were playing pool at the bar with his coworkers there was a dispute with some Mexicans,” she says. “They thought they got it all settled. Nick left and went back to his hotel, but later he felt bad that he left his friend. He went back to check on him and when they left that time, he and his co-worker were jumped. The co-worker is fine; he's not in the hospital. Nick got the worst of it.”

Authorities say Nick was beaten and kicked repeatedly.

He remained in the hospital on Tuesday morning, but was smiling, says Kristin.

“The swelling needs to go down before they can tell if he needs facial reconstruction surgery,” she adds. “He looks better today than he did yesterday. We are hoping to go home today depending on what the doctor says.”

Kristin says police have told her they have identified suspects; she has also heard that a 30-year-old Hispanic male who was shot dead in a separate incident a few hours later in another area of Beloit may also have been involved.

Kristin said she spoke to Beloit officers this morning.

“They have suspects and warrants for arrest out. Nick has confirmed their identity.”

Captain Dan Molland of the Beloit PD issued the following press statement to the public: “Thank you for your help in identifying three subjects involved in the substantial battery incident at the Road Dawg Bar. The department has Temporary Felony Wants for Substantial Battery for the following individuals:Isaac William Torres, 23; Eric Salazar-Mota, 20; and Alfredo Padilla, 24.”

Nick, meanwhile, has a long road to recovery ahead, says Kristin.

While thanking family and friends for their love and support, she adds that Nick will be out of work for several weeks.