Police were dispatched to a disturbance on Days Avenue in late September, with reports of a fight in progress. According to the police report, upon arrival Officer Klein spoke with two men identified as Carl Bowling and Patrick Swem, part owners of McCollum’s and The Grant Hotel. Swem is also VP of Sturgis Bank and a Buchanan City Commissioner.
Swem sent Bowling inside, and reported that a black male had punched Bowling. Swem refused entry to the officer, stating the need for a warrant. The officer found the man accused of punching Bowling, identified as Izaak Baiz. Baiz confirmed witness reports that he had been doing “burnouts” in the street outside the establishment on his way to a party, and Bowling asked him to stop. The two got into a verbal argument and Baiz confessed to punching Bowling.
The officer briefly handcuffed Baiz. Baiz was released when Bowling, who had gone to seek medical attention, declined to press charges. At the time of publishing, no statement has been provided by The Grant.
