By Vanessa Lenz
SLN
Wisconsin Republican State Sen. Neal Kedzie’s son was allegedly assaulted last weekend after he tried to stop two individuals from stealing a political yard sign from his residence in Whitewater.
City of Whitewater Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher said the incident is still under investigation.
Otterbacher said Whitewater Police responded to the scene of the assault on Oct. 19 at 2:09 a.m. after a witness reported that two males were
attacking another male.
The caller advised the two males had fled the scene and the victim, Sean, son of Sen. Kedzie, R-Elkhorn. had entered a nearby residence.
While Otterbacher did not name Sean Kedzie, Sen. Kedzie confirmed the victim was his son in a statement released on Monday detailing the incident.
Sen. Kedzie said his son was awakened by noises outside his residence in Whitewater and noticed an individual removing his Romney/Ryan campaign sign.
“He yelled to the person that they were taking something not theirs and to return it immediately,” Sen. Kedzie said in the statement.
He said the individual returned the sign, but a second person confronted and attacked Sean without warning.
Sen. Kedzie said his son was wrestled to the ground by both persons, “held down by a constricting chokehold and struck repeatedly about the face and head.”
“He nearly passed out from the chokehold and suffered contusions to his face and eyes. Fortunately, an alert neighbor heard the commotion, scared the individuals away, and called the police,” Sen. Kedzie said.
An anonymous $500 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Whitewater Police describe the suspects as two white males, clean shaven, both similar in height, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing about 185 to 190 pounds. Police said one suspect was identified as having short light colored hair and the other had darker hair. One suspect was wearing a blue/black plaid shirt and jeans.
Sean was transported to Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital where he was treated and released the same day.
“As this was a private family matter, we chose not to remark publicly about it and allow law enforcement to do their job,” Sen. Kedzie said in the statement. “But we understand these types of incidents will eventually become public and questions will arise, particularly in my position as a state legislator.”
Kedzie said his son is still recovering from the injuries he sustained, but he and his wife are confident he will make a full recovery.
“But obviously, as parents, we are shaken by this event and very troubled it was apparently initiated and motivated for political reasons,” Sen. Kedzie said.
Anyone with information on this case should contact Whitewater Police Detective Jessamy Flaherty at (262) 473-0555. Individuals who wish to remain anonymous can call the Walworth County TIP Line at (262) 723-2677.
Kedzie has represented the 11th District since 2002.
