A Burlington city councilor was hospitalized on Friday night after an acquaintance allegedly assaulted him at a popular Church Street nightclub.
Councilor Evan Litwin (D-Ward 7) was bloodied and knocked unconscious during what police said was an assault by Brian Limoge during a Pride month event at Red Square. Limoge, 39, faces a felony aggravated assault charge alleging he struck Litwin with a pint glass and punched him repeatedly.
Limoge pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and was released on bail. The incident was first reported by freelance journalist Mike Donoghue.
In a statement, Litwin said he is recovering and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he’s received.
Litwin told police that he and Limoge met through the gay community several years ago but recently had a falling out, during which Limoge threatened to beat him up.
Litwin tried to avoid Limoge last Friday as a result, but Limoge came over and placed a hand on Litwin’s back, witnesses said. When Litwin commented that he did not understand why Limoge was speaking to him, Limoge grew angry, and Litwin’s friends intervened. One of those friends later told police that Limoge made a comment about how he was not afraid to go back to prison, court records show.
Limoge eventually left the bar through a side exit that leads into an alleyway near Red Square, while Litwin went to find security. Litwin said he went outside shortly after to inform Limoge that he was going to be banned from the bar.
Security camera footage described in court records picked up what happened next. It shows that Limoge followed Litwin as he tried to walk away, then poured liquid from a pint glass onto him. Litwin responded by splashing his drink on Limoge, and Limoge attacked. Litwin told police he “woke up” soon after to find his friends standing over him.
Litwin got 10 stitches to close a gash on his forehead and another three for a cut under his eye.
Prosecutors asked that Limoge be held without bail, but Judge John Pacht freed him pending a hearing on July 17. His conditions of release bar him from contacting Litwin and leaving the home in Swanton where he’s staying unless he’s heading to work or medical or legal appointments.
In a statement, Litwin said he would use the experience to be a “much more informed advocate” for victims of violent crime.
“Going forward, my message to them all is that I see you, I share aspects of your experience, and will continue to work to improve the experience for victims of crime,” Litwin said in his statement.