Attorney: Throw Out Arrest of Victim Nabbed on Weapons Charge During Ashford House Brawl

The arrest of man who was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon during the Ashford House brawl could be tossed out if a Cook County judge rules in favor of a motion by his public defender.

Francis John Gilroy Jr., 65, of West Palm Beach, Fla., was reportedly one of the targets during the incident, where five Indiana men were charged in connection with the attack on a suspected white supremacist group. Those men—labled the Tinley Park or Ashford House 5—are in talks for a plea deal.

READ: Lawyers: Ashford House Five in Talks for Plea Deal

Cook County Assistant Public Defender Scott Lipinski filed a motion Tuesday, Oct. 30, to quash and suppress the arrest during a hearing in Judge Colleen Ann Hyland's Bridgeview courtroom.

Gilroy, who is out on bond and is described in court records as "transient," appeared in a heavy, khaki-colored jacket, jeans and heavy brown boots. He stood next to Lipinski and whispered occasionally but didn't address the judge.

Details of Lipinski's motion were not immediately available. Counsel for both sides are scheduled to make arguments Dec. 13.

Follow the Case as it Moves Through the Justice System in Our Ashford House Attack Section:

• Letter to the Editor: Legal System Not Treating Ashford House Defendants Fairly
• Ashford House Defendant Requests Jury Trial
• Tinley Park 5 Become Symbol for Groups Across the Country
• Ashford House 5 Lawyers Call Arrest 'Invalid'

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