Murphysboro man arrested after Benson's incident

A 30-year-old Murphysboro man was arrested on Christmas Eve after an incident at Benson's Wine Bar in Chester.

According to Chester Police Chief Ryan Coffey, officers were called to the business at 3:55 p.m. on three complaints of a subject causing problems. The third complaint eventually resulted in the arrest of Nathaniel Luster Jr.

"The first two complaints were about odd behavior and threatening to smack one of the female bartenders," Coffey said.

Coffey said the third complaint related to a fellow patron who attempted to physically remove Luster from the bar while officers were enroute and an altercation ensued.

"I think there's little doubt alcohol was involved," Coffey said.

Luster was arrested for battery of a police officer, resisting a peace officer and criminal trespassing. Coffey said the battery charge was a result of Luster allegedly spitting at the officer who was attempting to arrest him.

"(Criminal trespassing) can only be pursued by the property owner," said Coffey, who noted it related to Luster's alleged refusal to leave the bar.

Luster was transported to the Randolph County Jail, where he posted $150 cash bond and was released Wednesday.

Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker told the Herald Tribune/Steeleville Ledger that the charges have been reduced to a criminal misdemeanor. Luster's first appearance in Randolph County court is scheduled for January 18 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Gene Gross.