Deputies responded to the Firehouse Cabaret Strip Club, 5782 Portland Road NE just before midnight. 911 callers reported that three men were assaulting the bouncer and that the fight had moved to the parking lot, the sheriff’s office said.
Witnesses pointed to a silver 1993 Toyota Camry carrying three men speeding away northbound on Portland Road. A deputy attempted to stop the car but it continued north on Portland Road before turning east onto Webb Street NE. The car left the paved roadway at the intersection of Peachtree Street NE and drove through some farm fields. It vehicle came to a stop and two occupants ran from the car while one remained.
Sheriff’s Office spokesman Don Thomson said canine deputies Jason Bernards and Jerry Wollenschlaeger responded with their partners Rolo and Yo. The driver allegedly ran and refused to surrender. Rolo seized him as he hid in some tall grass. The man was identified as Mikhail Ermolenko, 21, of Salem. He was the owner of the Toyota.
The front seat passenger, Igor Bogatko, 25, of Salem, was arrested where the car stopped in the field, but he continued to fight with deputies, Thomson said.
The rear seat passenger also allegedly fled, but deputies were unable to locate him after a canine search.
Ermolenko was taken to Salem Hospital for treatment of dog bites. He was taken to the jail and charged with Assault III, Menacing, Disorderly Conduct II, Resisting Arrest and Elude Vehicle on Foot. Bogatko was charged with Assault III, Menacing and Disorderly Conduct II.
Both men are expected in court today at 3 p.m.