Monroe Police searching for suspects in bar brawl outside Papa’s Tavern

Monroe Police are looking for up to three suspects involved in a fight that took place last weekend outside Papa’s Tavern at 120 E. Main St.

MPD administrative director Debbie Willis said the entire group involved in the conflict was highly intoxicated. It started inside the bar when the alleged victim, a 35-year-old Monroe man, was making advances on a woman, who was with her boyfriend, Willis said. The second time the alleged victim spoke with her, she made it clear the attention was unwanted. The alleged victim had reportedly brought another woman to the tavern, but Willis said they weren’t believed to have been romantically involved.

The fight reportedly started outside around 2 a.m. Saturday, March 31. The alleged victim had pulled a knife, but it was knocked from his hand soon into the scuffle, Willis said, and no one was stabbed.

Arriving officers found the alleged victim with a head wound; Willis said Monroe Police believe he may have been kicked. The woman he was with had a chunk of her hair pulled out.

The suspects were gone by that time law enforcement made it to the scene. Willis said it is believed up to half a dozen people were involved.

“Witnesses stated the suspects had fled east on Main Street towards the 7-Eleven and went around the corner,” according to a Monroe Police news release. “Officers which included a K-9 tracker searched the area but were unable to locate the suspects.”

Police are looking for the boyfriend of the woman whom the alleged victim was speaking with, and two women who were potentially involved, Willis said. The alleged victim had not met the group before that night, she said.

Willis said the woman who was missing part of her hair was not taken to the hospital for her injuries. The alleged victim was treated at EvergreenHealth Monroe.

The Monroe Police Department’s investigations unit has taken over the case, and detectives are hoping to find the rest of the people involved and bring some closure to the situation, she said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 360-794-6300 or via the tip line at 360-863-4600.