Sushi Ya Owner Hires Tomczak Law: Key Motion Filed

JOLIET, IL —The downtown Joliet law offices of Tomczak Law Group were retained as the criminal defense counsel for the co-owner of Sushi Ya. On Wednesday, Xiong Zheng was formally charged with two counts of felony aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and at a public place. Tuesday night's arrest happened following a confrontation inside the Sushi Ya kitchen that resulted in the stabbing of one of the restaurant's cooks, Branden Bruzzo.

On Friday, Tomczak filed his appearance as the defense lawyer for Zheng, the 53-year-old man who owns the West Jefferson Street restaurant in Joliet.

The restaurant has remained closed given this week's set of events involving the Joliet Police.

"This was all a misunderstanding between two very, very, hard-working people in a high pressure kitchen," Tomczak told Joliet Patch Friday afternoon.

Tomczak has filed a motion asking Will County Circuit Judge Dave Carlson to modify the conditions of bail set by a different judge earlier this week.

Tomczak's request asks Judge Carlson to lift the no-contact order barring his client from setting foot inside his own restaurant. Carlson may issue his decision on Monday, Jan. 13.

For now, Zheng is also forbidden from having contact with his Sushi Ya cook, the motion reads.

According to Tomczak, the victim, who was stabbed in his hand by a meat cleaver, is also supportive of lifting the no-contact order against his boss.

Bruzzo was also arrested by Joliet Police in connection with Tuesday night's incident at Sushi Ya, on a misdemeanor battery offense, according to Tomczak.

"Both individuals got arrested by the Joliet Police, which is fairly unique because it's usually one side or the other," Tomczak said.

Tomczak said that lifting the no-contact order is essential for Sushi Ya to reopen.

If the no-contact order is lifted, Tomczak envisions that Sushi Ya will reopen for customers early next week.

Despite facing two felony aggravated battery charges, Xiong Zheng's bail was only set at at $10,000. His wife, who also owns Sushi Ya, posted the necessary 10 percent, court files show.

Zheng, 53, was released from the Will County Jail after spending 24 hours in custody, at 7:52 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8.