Alleged Izzy's bar shooter's fitness for trial to be evaluated

A Crest Hill man who charged with shooting and killing a bartender and wounding another man will be evaluated to see if he is fit to stand trial.

Patrick K. Gleason, 57, was arrested in connection with the March 2018 shooting at Izzy’s bar on Theodore Street and has been in the Will County jail awaiting trial. On Friday, it was agreed to have Gleason formally assessed to see if he is fit for trial.

Chuck Bretz, one of Gleason’s attorneys, said his client had not yet been formally evaluated. Gleason’s attorneys previously said they were investigating their client’s mental health status and filed a motion claiming his behavior had become “increasingly erratic” and that he’s demonstrated a “marked detachment from reality.”

Bretz said if Gleason is found fit, normal court proceedings would continue, but if he isn’t found fit, then he would be assessed to receive appropriate treatment.

Gleason was charged with first-degree murder, aggravated battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm for allegedly killing bartender Daniel Rios III, 52, and wounding Thomas Izquierdo. Izquierdo was shot while trying to subdue Gleason after he shot Rios, police said.

Gleason also is facing lawsuits from the families of both Izquierdo and Rios, and the Illinois Casualty Company. A Will County judge allowed for the three lawsuits to be consolidated into one court case for discovery and trial purposes.

Bretz said he expects the evaluation to be completed before Gleason’s next hearing on Aug. 30.