Man's 'Chivalrous Act' Results in Aggravated Assault Charge

An alleged act of chivalry turned into an aggravated assault charge for a Bridgeview man who claims he was protecting a lady’s honor at an Oak Lawn McDonald’s.

Brian Mehringer, 44, appeared in court to answer for allegations he punched a 76-year-old man in the public way. Prosecutors said the 76-year-old man and a female acquaintance met at the McDonald’s at 9128 S. Cicero Ave., Oak Lawn. The older gentleman and the woman exchanged words.

Mehringer, sitting nearby, overheard their conversation and said words to the effect of “he’s not good for you,” prosecutors said.

A skirmish occurred in the parking lot where, prosecutors said, Mehringer hit the 76-year-old man, fracturing his wrist and nose. The elderly man will require surgery to repair his wrist, court records state.

Mehringer’s public defender told the judge even though the alleged victim is older, Mehringer acted in self-defense because the 76-year-old man hit him first.

The woman involved in the incident was also in the courtroom and would vouch for Mehringer, the public defender said.

Mehringer has no prior record. The public defender asked for two court orders granting him access to McDonald’s security video. Cook County Judge Peter Felice released Mehringer on a $30,000 I-bond. Mehringer is due back in court on June 30.